As the Denver Broncos prepare for their third and final preseason game, the battle for the backup quarterback job is something that fans should keep an eye on during Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Denver Broncos three things to watch for vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Denver Broncos and a handful of players have a lot at stake in Sunday’s preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. in a nationally televised game on CBS. What are three things that Broncos fans should pay close attention in the team’s preseason finale?
Who wins the Denver Broncos backup QB job?
There hasn’t been an official discussion yet as to whether or not Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will compete for the backup job behind Bo Nix. Even though Sean Payton alluded to Stidham being a valuable asset for Nix this season, he also mentioned Wilson as part of that position room conversation.
“I’ve already spoken with all three of those guys,” Payton said. “‘Stiddy’ will be a great resource for [Nix], as well as Zach. We feel like that all season at such an important position, we made some really good decisions. We’re going to have a chance to see them unfold as the season goes on.
If Denver plans to carry all three on the active roster, which seems like a possibility, certainly a battle for the backup job is at stake, even if both Wilson and Stidham didn’t win the starting job.
“They’re pros, and they understand it,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “It’s a hard thing because Bo won it, no one lost it. They’re all playing really well. I think we’d be comfortable with any of them playing quarterback for us. I think all of them should be proud of their efforts and where they are right now. They’ve been good. There haven’t been any problems and they’re supportive. [The quarterback] room feels the same as it did before the announcement.”
Stidham will get the start, and then Wilson will come in and play some meaningful snaps, according to Payton.
“From a quarterback rotation, you’ll see Stidham with the first series or so,” Payton said. “I’d like to see him get eight to 12 plays and then we’ll get a lot of work with Zach at some point in that first early second quarter.”
Who wins the starting cornerback role opposite of PS2?
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph seemed to indicate that this weekend’s game against the Cardinals will help them figure out what they’re going to do at the cornerback position, opposite of Patrick Surtain II.
Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis are the prime two names who have been at the top of the position battle for that spot, and they’ll play on Sunday.
“I think with practice and games, it’s clearing up,” Joseph said. “Most of the battles that we have, it’s battles where you need both guys to play well for you. It’s battles where you need both guys to play in a package, like corner. We need multiple corners, so it’s encouraging to watch all of the guys get better. Obviously, during a game week, we have schemes, and we have a package for all the guys to play. Most of those battles are ongoing past the weekend, and then we’ll decide who starts first, but that won’t matter at corner. Even at backer, with dime and nickel in our NASCAR packages.”
Keep an eye on those two, as well as veteran cornerback Levi Wallace, who returned to practice this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring two weeks ago.
Three young players to watch for
With the roster sitting at 90 players, there are so many moving pieces that have taken place throughout this offseason at camp and in the various preseason games played. Sunday’s game will be a final audition for many players, but here are three players that we’ll have our eyes on.
Jalen Virgil, Nate Adkins, and Troy Franklin.
Virgil has had a consistent training camp in his return from a knee injury that ended his season last year during the preseason. He’s had one of the NFL’s most explosive kick returns under the new rules, he was a prior core four special teams ace when he was on the 53-man roster, and he could very well make the active roster once again.
We didn’t get to see him return any kicks last week, and maybe that’s because the Broncos could be trying to hide him if they can’t find a way to sneak him onto their practice squad. Regardless, Virgil has a strong case for the 53 and should see a lot of run on offense this week.
Adkins has been a fun player to watch this offseason. From last year to this year, he’s taken a tremendous step forward as a player. He’s bulked up and has quickly become a promising name to watch emerge as a potential special teams ace. On top of that, he’s got the ability to contribute as a fullback and tight-end option in an H-back role.
Ideally, Franklin should see a lot of wide receiver reps in Sunday’s preseason finale after having a limited run in the first two preseason games. There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding Franklin’s roster viability, but 2024 will likely be more of a red-shirt developmental type of year for him.
Franklin saw his first reps on special teams last week as well and could carve out a potential role there, even if he doesn’t factor into the receiver rotation in the regular season.
The Denver Broncos will host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile High.