The Denver Broncos' battle for the starting quarterback position appears to be coming into sharper focus as training camp progresses. Initially a three-way competition, the quarterback race has seemingly narrowed down to Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix, while Zach Wilson could find himself on the outside looking in.
Three-Way Competition
The competition began with three contenders vying for the coveted role. Stidham, who brings a valuable familiarity with head coach Sean Payton's offensive system, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix, and Zach Wilson, who was recently acquired from the New York Jets. Each has shown moments of promise, but the gap between them appears to be widening.
Stidham's Edge
During Tuesday's training camp practice, Stidham had the opportunity to take reps with the first-team offense, pointing to a growing level of trust from the coaching staff. Stidham’s familiarity with Payton's offensive scheme could be giving him the critical edge in this competition. "We'll see," remarked Payton, opting to stay non-committal on making any definitive announcements regarding the starting quarterback role at this stage.
Nix's Strong Showing
On Monday, it was the rookie Bo Nix who led the first-team offense in practice. As a first-round draft pick, Nix has been making a compelling case for himself with a series of strong performances. The preseason games approaching will likely play a critical role in determining if Nix can continue to prove his mettle and earn the starting job.
Wilson's Struggles
Zach Wilson, on the other hand, seems to be at a disadvantage in this tight race. Wilson joined the Broncos this offseason from the New York Jets, where his record included 12 wins and 21 losses over three seasons. Though Wilson managed a 5-4 run as the Jets' starter in 2022, last year's performance did little to instill confidence in his ability to lead a team, especially following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1, which saw Wilson's record plummet to 4-7.
At 24 years old, Wilson is noted for his athleticism, making him the most physically gifted of the trio. Despite this, he lacks the first-round pedigree of Nix and the intimate knowledge of the Broncos' offensive playbook that Stidham possesses.
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos inch closer to finalizing their roster, these upcoming preseason games will be crucial for all three quarterbacks. Each will vie to demonstrate their abilities and solidify their standing with the team. While Sean Payton and his staff have been tight-lipped about making any decisions public, the increasing reps for Stidham with the first-team offense suggest he may be inching ahead in the race.
The Broncos' coaching staff faces the challenge of evaluating their options and making the best choice for the team’s future. Whether it’s Stidham’s experience, Nix's potential, or Wilson's athleticism, the path to the starting quarterback position is laden with potential and uncertainty.