Although some presume Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix will win the starting job, Jarrett Stidham is determined to pull off an upset.
“I’ve dealt with this before in New England when we drafted [former first-round pick] Mac Jones,” Stidham recently told ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “It’s a business, I totally understand it, but at the same time, I’m here to compete. I’m not going to just sit down and let someone else walk on in here — I’m going to work my butt off to get the job.”
Last season, Stidham assumed the starting job in Week 17 after head coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson, whom Denver released in March.
In two starts, Stidham failed to prove he’s a bonafide starter. The 27-year-old QB went 1-1, completing 60.6 percent of his passes for 496 yards, two TDs, one interception and a substandard 87.7 passer rating.
Along with taking Nix with the 12th overall pick in the draft, the Broncos acquired QB Zach Wilson, a former first-rounder, in a trade with the New York Jets. It appears both moves have motivated Stidham.
During the first week of OTAs, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic noted that Stidham “is further along than he was last year.” He also indicated that the signal-caller has the strongest grasp of Payton’s offense, which should give him an edge in the competition.
“I’m way more comfortable,” Stidham said, per Kosmider. “I’m not out there thinking as much, I’m just out there playing free and playing more confident, which is great. It’s been good.”
It’s not clear how the Broncos’ depth chart stacks up. According to Legwold, Payton recently said it’s a “three-player race,” meaning the QBs will continue to split reps until the head coach decides.
Still, starting Stidham in Week 1 isn’t a terrible idea for the Broncos. Nix may need more time to learn Payton’s offense, and Stidham could emerge as a serviceable option.
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