Broncos head coach on starting QB battle: 'I like where we're at right now'

The Denver Broncos currently do not have a starting quarterback for their 2024 campaign, and their strategy is to use the preseason to see which of three choices will top the depth chart in the regular season.

During comments to the media this week, head coach Sean Payton made a statement about the progress he has made in deciding whether Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, or Zach Wilson will lead the offense.

“It’s a good group to work with and I know the offensive coaches feel that way,” Payton said. “I feel that way. I like where we’re at right now and that’s encouraging for our team. Because when that’s unsettled and maybe not as far along, then there’s a lot of things you can do well, and yet the team sees there’s a ceiling maybe on what you can do.”

Nix, Stidham, and Wilson split up the action in the first Broncos preseason match where the team faced the Indianapolis Colts, and Coach Payton says he liked what he saw when Nix was on the field.

“His decision-making was good,” the veteran head coach said of the Oregon product. “I felt he was comfortable in the pocket. I thought his locations were good. The number one thing to do at quarterback is lead your team and we scored. There’s two plays where I think he can set his feet.

“He’s kind of backing up a little and we can clean that up, but I liked the production with his group while he was in there. Ultimately that’s their job. The whole group as a whole — and I’m talking the three of them [quarterbacks] — we didn’t have any sacks. There were a lot of positives.”

Payton is looking to the next match for more information on his choice between three experienced quarterbacks, with Nix looking to be a possible favorite after logging 125 passing yards and one touchdown in his first appearance in a Broncos jersey.