The competition for the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback position is heating up as the team continues through the rigors of training camp. Initially a three-way race, the battle now seems to focus more narrowly on Jarrett Stidham and promising rookie Bo Nix, with veteran Zach Wilson appearing to trail behind.
Change in Dynamics
During Tuesday's practice, Stidham took the helm of the first-team offense, a notable indicator of the coaching staff's growing trust in his abilities. This opportunity came to Stidham even though it was technically Wilson's turn in the rotation. Coach Sean Payton, however, has stayed largely non-committal about who will ultimately lead the Broncos on opening day. "We'll see," said Payton, leaving the door ajar for any of the three quarterbacks to make a last-minute push.
Stidham Capitalizes on Familiarity
Stidham's familiarity with Payton's offensive system has undoubtedly given him an edge. His tenure with the first-team during the recent practice certainly doesn't happen without a considerable level of trust from the coaching staff. Having played under Payton's system in previous tenures, Stidham has shown he can navigate the intricacies of the playbook, a critical factor as the Broncos inch closer to finalizing their roster.
Rookie on the Rise
On the other side, first-round pick Bo Nix is making quite a compelling case for himself. Nix had his opportunity with the starting unit on Monday and made significant strides. The young quarterback’s performance has not gone unnoticed, and many within the organization believe Nix has the potential to become the franchise's face for years to come.
Wilson's Struggles
Zach Wilson, who joined the Broncos this offseason from the New York Jets, is finding it harder to secure his spot. With a record of 12 wins and 21 losses over three seasons with the Jets, his tenure there didn’t inspire maximum confidence. In 2022, Wilson managed a 5-4 run as the Jets' starter, but his stats were dampened by last year's 4-7 performance following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1. At 24 years old, Wilson is undoubtedly the most athletic of the trio, yet this raw athleticism has not translated into the kind of precision and effectiveness needed to secure the starting job.
Despite Wilson being the only first-round pick among the three, his lack of experience with Denver's scheme and inconsistent performances leave him in a precarious position. His presence on Tuesday's second-team reps might signify a diminished standing with the coaching staff, who are impatiently waiting for a standout performance.
Upcoming Preseason Critical
The preseason games on the horizon will serve as a proving ground for all three quarterbacks. Each has their unique strengths and weaknesses, and these games will offer an essential platform to demonstrate leadership, decision-making, and execution under game-day pressures. For now, the battle narrows, and as Coach Payton succinctly put it, "We'll see." The next few weeks will be decisive in determining who will lead the Broncos onto the field when the regular season kicks off.
As the Broncos work towards their final roster decisions, the focus remains on finding the quarterback who can bring stability and success to the team. Whether it’s Stidham’s system familiarity, Nix’s rising promise, or Wilson’s athletic potential, only time will reveal who will seize the role of starting quarterback. For now, the competition remains one of the most closely-watched narratives in the Broncos' training camp.