With the NFL's 53-man roster cut deadline looming, backup quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham entered Denver's final preseason game as perceived cut risks after rookie Bo Nix earned the starting position last week.
But as both players made strong cases for their spot on the regular-season squad on Sunday, head coach Sean Payton implied Wilson and Stidham would be safe after the game. "I feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks," Payton told reporters. "I think I told you already I see the three of them making it."
Stidham was the first quarterback to receive action in Denver's 38-12 victory over Arizona, leading an efficient scoring drive on the Broncos' opening possession.
The Kentucky native checked down to running back Audric Estime to advance across midfield and converted a clutch 4th & 2 16 yards downfield to DeVaughn Vele — Estime carried the Denver offense once inside the red zone and capped off the movement with a three-yard rushing touchdown.
Selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Stidham has earned four starts over the past two seasons in a backup role with the Broncos and Las Vegas. Stidham was unremarkable in commanding the Denver offense for the final two games of last season, throwing two touchdowns to one interception while posting a 1-1 record.
With previous starter Russell Wilson shipped off to Pittsburgh , Stidham separated himself as the primary competition for Nix, who was selected this spring the No. 11 overall pick. Stidham battled with his fellow ex-Auburn Tiger throughout training camp, but Payton announced on August 21 that Nix had earned the No. 1 job.
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After his outing on Sunday, however, Stidham made sure to articulate his frustration with Payton's decision. "Obviously I was very disappointed. I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. I have zero doubts about that. It just didn’t shake out my way," Stidham told reporters.
"But I know what kind of player I am, the kind of person I am. I’ll be ready to go if I need to be and yeah, like I said, I have no doubts I’m a starting-caliber quarterback in this league."
With Stidham yanked after one possession and Bo Nix not dressed, Wilson earned a majority of the snaps under center on Sunday, finishing 16-25 with two touchdowns. It's been a much-improved summer for the former Jets bust, and he was comparatively positive about Nix's appointment as starter after the game.
“I was excited for him. I don’t think it was a surprise too much, right? I think he’s had a great camp," Wilson said. "I told him I’m excited for him with this opportunity. I really believe they’re putting him in a good situation."
"I think Sean has done a phenomenal job, and (the coaches) we hang out with (Davis Webb, Joe Lombardi, Peter Carmichael, John Morton), we have a great offensive staff. And then Bo has just continued to keep getting better. I’m excited to see what he can do, and I think he’s ready for it."
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