“I’m super excited, ready to get back to work again,” Bo Nix said after the Broncos named him their starting quarterback for 2024. His strong performance in preseason grabbed HC Sean Payton’s eye, earning him this role. But Jarrett Stidham was set to start the first game at first, it was even mentioned on the camp’s depth chart. This came after he had started two games for the Broncos in 2023. This choice has now stirred up some bad blood within the team.

In an interview with Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel, on the Scoop City podcast, Sean Payton talked about Bo Nix’s real head-turning play at Oregon. “Something happened with him I’ve never seen on film before. It’s a third-down play. The tackles are rushing up the field, the guard is blocking the three-technique, and he slips between the guard and the three-technique. Then he climbed and threw it to a tight end. I replayed it. I said, ‘I’ve never seen this before.” Praising Nix’s ability to make off-schedule throws, calling it remarkable.

However, he is not the only one who has impressed HC Payton. Another player whom the coach has shown trust in is QB Zach Wilson. The coach praised him, “He’s got a live arm down the field. I thought he did a good job of throwing it away when nothing was there. There were a couple of sacks, but overall, we moved the ball well. When he’s in there, you can see how the offense is performing.” Saying he is one of the players he wants to be at the front. 

The Broncos picked Nix in the 2024 draft. And he has become the team’s first rookie quarterback to start since John Elway in 1983. Needless to say,  he has already impressed Denver fans, with his dedication in the preseason. In the opening two preseason games completing 23 out of 30 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. On the other hand, the former BYU threw for 251 yards and scored three touchdowns overall in a 38-12 victory over Arizona.

Wilson couldn’t have asked for a better end to the 2021 preseason. After being traded to the Broncos, Wilson said he’s “grateful” to have been traded to the Broncos and that “I’m loving it out here.” expressing his gratitude. However, Jarrett Stidham is unhappy with the decision and expressed his frustration openly.

Jarrett Stidham’s disappointment with HC Sean Payton’s decision 

The QB, Jarrett Stidham, didn’t hide his disappointment about not getting the starting job. When talking to the reporters, the QB expressed his frustration telling them he knows that he is the starter of the league, without any doubt. “First of all, obviously, I was very disappointed.” He made it clear that he knows exactly what kind of person and player he is.

Even after all this, HC Payton stands still on his decision about the quarterbacks. On Friday, August 23, he told everyone that it is a pretty good idea and the positions remain the same. He added, “I’ve said it and I’ll say it again, I like that room.” And nothing can make him change his mind. The decision has been made, and HC Payton sees big potential in this trio.

Hopefully, they will also impress Denver fans leading the team closer to victory.