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Deseret News
How Zach Wilson performed in the Broncos’ preseason finale
By Jackson Payne,
9 hours ago
Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson scrambles with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Denver. | Jack Dempsey, Associated Press
Zach Wilson couldn’t have asked for a better end to the preseason.
Playing the majority of Denver’s quarterback reps in the team’s Sunday exhibition, the former BYU star threw for 251 yards and had three total touchdowns in a 38-12 win over Arizona.
Wilson finished the day 16-of-25 in passing with a stellar 123.9 rating.
He led four scoring drives after replacing starter Jarrett Stidham late in the first quarter.
Wilson had touchdown passes of both one and 46 yards each, along with a one-yard quarterback sneak for an additional score.
Though Wilson wasn’t perfect — he was sacked four times and threw two near-interceptions that were dropped by defenders — he appeared comfortable and confident all afternoon, enjoying one of the most impressive performances of his professional career thus far.
“I can’t think of any games in my career when it feels like we’re getting into a rhythm (like Sunday),’’ Wilson told reporters after the game. “Even if you go three and out and get stopped here and there (with the Broncos), you feel like you’re going to put something together. It feels good to feel that as an offense. One bad play happens and you expect something good to happen on the next one.’’
Across three preseason contests this month, Wilson went 28-46 in passing for 397 yards and three touchdowns.
With Broncos rookie Bo Nix slated to start at quarterback for the team and Jarrett Stidham serving as his backup, Wilson could become an intriguing trade candidate for another QB-needy club as a result of his preseason film.
For now, however, Wilson will hold a spot on Denver’s 53-man roster to begin the season, head coach Sean Payton confirmed Sunday .
While he may not have prevailed in the Broncos’ quarterback competition, Wilson expressed his desire to support Nix as he acclimates to NFL life in his rookie campaign.
“We all want to play, we all want to be on the team,” Wilson said . “We all want to do the best, but we all understand the other person’s side of it, so we all have each other’s back. I want them all to do the best they can. ... If I can be any sort of resource or help to (Nix) ... I will.
“I was excited for him, I don’t think it was a surprise to a lot of people ... (But) I told him I’m excited for him. I really believe they’re putting him in a good situation.”
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