Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham both showcased their skills in a strong bid to remain on the roster after being outperformed by rookie Bo Nix in the Denver Broncos’ recent quarterback competition.
Stidham led a successful touchdown drive during his only possession, while Wilson orchestrated four scoring drives as the Broncos concluded a flawless preseason with a commanding 38-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
“Both those guys looked good,” remarked Broncos coach Sean Payton, confirming his interest in retaining all three quarterbacks ahead of the final cuts on Tuesday. “We feel comfortable with all three.”
In his most significant playing time this summer, Wilson ignited a touchdown drive with a 21-yard scramble and threw a spectacular 46-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson while evading a defensive back.
Stidham wrapped up his effort with a 3-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Audric Estime.
“It was great,” Stidham expressed. “I knew if I scored on the first drive, I would probably be done. I’m really proud of the guys.”
Wilson, selected second overall by the Jets in the 2021 draft, demonstrated his experience by leading an 11-play, 77-yard touchdown drive, finishing it with a 1-yard touchdown throw to tight end Nate Atkins that put Denver up 14-0.
“I think getting hit in the face on that long scramble will help get you ready,” Wilson quipped.
Wilson’s scoring included a 1-yard keeper during an 88-yard drive that extended the lead to 24-6 and a 46-yard strike to Johnson late in the game. He concluded the night with 16 completions on 25 attempts for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, while Stidham completed 2 of 4 passes for 28 yards during a 10-play, 55-yard drive.
Payton dismissed any suggestions that financial factors would influence the decision on the quarterbacks. Stidham’s salary of $5 million this season has sparked speculation about a potential pay cut.
“No, we’ve got enough money,” Payton replied. “I understand the question. We feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks. I think I’ve told you already I see the three of them making it.”
Wilson reacted to Payton’s comments, saying, “Yeah, exciting. But you know cut day’s not until Tuesday, so we’ll see what happens.”
In Arizona, Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder vied for the chance to back up Kyler Murray. Tune had 12 completions on 18 attempts for 119 yards, with a pair of sacks, while Ridder completed 10 of 16 passes for 111 yards before exiting due to a hard hit, entering concussion protocol. Tune returned, only to throw an interception that linebacker Levelle Bailey returned for a touchdown.
Broncos defensive back Kedron Smith recorded his third preseason takeaway by recovering a fumble from Tony Jones Jr. at the Denver 3-yard line, after Jones incurred a shoulder injury during the play.
Matt Prater added a 50-yard field goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 14-3. He subsequently made a 24-yarder, with Haassan Hall scoring Arizona’s sole touchdown with a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter, shrinking the deficit to 24-12.
“I told them the effort was good, they battled hard today. But we lost the explosive play battle and the takeaway battle, and that’s what happens when you get beat,” said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon.
Despite the turnovers, Cardinals safety Darren Hall expressed optimism about the team’s progress.
“We’re still building. We have a long way to go, but as a team, we’re real close. We have a strong bond. The sky’s the limit for this team,” he indicated.
Injury updates include Denver DB Damarri Mathis, who injured his right ankle on the second play and was carted off the field; Payton suggested the injury didn’t seem severe. Broncos LB Durell Nchami pulled a hamstring. For the Cardinals, cornerbacks Divaad Wilson (wrist), Elijah Jones (ankle), and Darren Hall (hip) sustained injuries, while tight end Sage Surratt (ankle) left in the third quarter. Offensive lineman Christian Jones was also carted off late in the game with an unspecified injury.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will open their regular season on September 8 against Seattle, while the Cardinals will face Buffalo on the same day.