Payton’s Stidham Verdict Exposes Broncos’ QB2 Reality
Denver Broncos Preseason Opener: Stidham Shines in Backup QB Battle
Welcome to your beginner-friendly guide to the Denver Broncos’ first preseason game! We’ll break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the team—all in simple terms.
What Happened in the Game?
The Denver Broncos played their first practice game (preseason opener) against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. The Broncos won big: 27–7.
But the final score isn’t the whole story. Here’s what really stood out:
- Every unit looked good. Whether it was the starters, the backups, or the third-string players, Denver dominated.
- Roster depth is elite. The team has strong players at almost every position, not just the top names.
- The backup quarterback battle took center stage. This was the main storyline heading into the game.
The Backup QB Battle: Stidham vs. Ehlinger
Denver’s starting quarterback is Bo Nix. But every team needs a reliable QB2 (backup quarterback). This year, two players are fighting for that spot:
| Player | Experience | How They Did in This Game |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Stidham | 3 years as Denver’s primary backup | Started the game. Played the whole first half with the starters. Threw 9/15 for 131 yards, 1 touchdown, and a 110.7 passer rating (that’s excellent!). |
| Sam Ehlinger | On practice squad last year, re-signed in March | Played the second half with the third-stringers. Completed 10/14 passes but only for 67 yards. Tendency to leave the pocket too early. |
Key Takeaway: Stidham clearly won this round. He looked calm, accurate, and connected well with star receiver Courtland Sutton.
Stidham’s Standout Moments
Stidham didn’t just put up good numbers—he made big-time plays:
- 40-yard laser to Courtland Sutton on the opening drive → set up a touchdown.
- Back-shoulder dime to Sutton → Sutton made a ridiculous one-handed catch.
- Stayed in the pocket under pressure, delivering strikes instead of running away.
Coach Sean Payton noticed:
"I thought he played well. I thought he did a good job in the pocket."
And about Sutton’s "my ball" mentality:
"That’s one of the things he does well."
Why This Competition Exists: The AFC Championship Ghost
You might wonder: Stidham has been the backup for three years. Why is he fighting for his job now?
One game changed everything: the 2025 AFC Championship Game.
- Bo Nix got hurt in the playoffs.
- Stidham had to start the biggest game of the year on short notice.
- He started well… then fell apart. A second-half blizzard didn’t help, but Stidham fumbled at a critical moment.
- The Patriots scored their only touchdown off that turnover.
- Denver lost the game—and a trip to the Super Bowl—at home.
Important Point: That fumble haunted the organization. It made the coaches ask: "Can we trust this guy if Bo goes down again?"
Payton’s Perspective: Blame & Belief
Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t pointing fingers at Stidham alone:
"He’s been great. It wasn’t just a disappointment for him. I was disappointed in myself. When you lose a game like that, and you go back and look at it closely, and the margins in that game…"
Payton admits the game was a "game of inches" with many mistakes (his own fourth-down calls, missed field goals). But he also sees Stidham’s growth:
"One of his strengths is his resiliency. He’s got a little bit of the ‘it’ factor. He’s really good with the operation and quick with the play."
Translation: Stidham handles the mental side well, knows the offense inside-out, and processes plays fast.
What’s Next? The Roster Math
The Broncos have a stacked roster. They likely won’t keep three quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster. That means:
- Bo Nix = QB1 (locked in)
- Jarrett Stidham = QB2 (currently in driver’s seat)
- Sam Ehlinger = Odd man out
Unless Ehlinger has amazing performances in the next two preseason games, he’ll likely be cut and hit the waiver wire (where other teams can claim him).
Fun Fact: Ehlinger turned down other NFL offers last year to stay on Denver’s practice squad. He re-signed in March on a 1-year, $2 million deal. He wanted to be here—but the writing may be on the wall.
Summary: The Big Picture
| Topic | Bottom Line |
|---|---|
| Team Performance | Broncos looked dominant across all three units. Depth is a real strength. |
| QB2 Battle | Stidham won Round 1 decisively. Ehlinger has an uphill climb. |
| Stidham’s Narrative | Redemption arc after AFC Championship fumble. Showing resilience & command. |
| Roster Reality | Only 2 QBs likely kept. Ehlinger probably moving on unless he explodes in Games 2 & 3. |
| Coach’s View | Payton owns the AFC loss, trusts Stidham’s mental makeup & system mastery. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Who is Bo Nix?
Bo Nix is the Broncos’ starting quarterback (the #1 guy). He was injured late last season, which forced Stidham into the AFC Championship start.
What is "preseason" and why does it matter?
Preseason = practice games before the real season. They don’t count in the standings, but players fight for roster spots. Coaches evaluate backups, rookies, and bubble players.
What does "QB2" mean?
QB2 = the backup quarterback. If the starter gets hurt, the QB2 starts. It’s a crucial job—you need someone who can win games in an emergency.
What is the "waiver wire"?
When a team cuts a player, he goes on the waiver wire for 24 hours. Other teams can claim him (and his contract). If no one claims him, he becomes a free agent and can sign anywhere.
What’s a "back-shoulder throw"?
A back-shoulder throw is when the QB places the ball where only the receiver can catch it—behind the defender, over the receiver’s back shoulder. It’s a high-skill, high-trust play. Stidham nailed one to Sutton.
Final Thought
The Broncos’ preseason opener wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The team is deep, the stars are sharp, and Jarrett Stidham just reminded everyone why he’s been the backup for three years. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady, smart, and now—resilient.
Sam Ehlinger has two games left to write a different ending. The clock is ticking.
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