The depth chart, or perhaps the man who made it, lies.
Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos rookie quarterback, the one charged with saving a franchise that’s seen an unprecedented stretch of futility, is the best quarterback on the roster. Entering the Broncos first preseason game against the Colts, however, Nix was listed as the team’s No. 3 quarterback.
The starter, and the man who was listed atop the depth chart, was veteran Jarrett Stidham. Zach Wilson, a former No. 2 overall pick who was acquired by the Broncos in the offseason, entered Sunday second on Sean Payton’s chart. Somewhat oddly, Payton has already said Nix will start against the Packers in preseason game No. 2. Whether the depth chart remains that way before the Broncos third preseason game, or even the season opener, remains to be seen.
Perhaps it shouldn’t really matter.
There is an argument to be made that Sunday’s depth chart could be the correct one. There’s certainly one to made that Stidham earned the upgrade Payton had already given him prior to the game. There’s also an argument to be made for Stidham to drop to third, while Nix or Wilson leapfrogs to the No. 1 spot.
“All three of them did a good job,” the coach accurately said following the game.
There’s no doubt the rookie signal caller looked solid. He showed poise in his decision making as well as an ability to make something out of nothing with his legs. Nix went 15-for-21 on the day, good for 125 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Most impressively, Nix was a part of five drives and led the offense to four scores, two touchdowns and two field goals. The only drive that didn’t result in a score only lasted one play – a completed pass to tight end Lucus Krull who fumbled. Statistics aside, Nix just looked the part – in command, calm, cool, collected.
While Broncos fans rejoice in the early returns of their new hope, they should also pump the brakes. There’s no doubt his maiden NFL performance was promising, but it also came in a preseason game, against base defenses and often defensive players who may or may not be starters.
Perhaps fans should follow the lead of the Broncos head coach, who has pumped the brakes on Nix before hitting the gas. Surely Payton saw what everyone else saw on Sunday, so why put Stidham in starting role? Why not simply go all in on Nix?
There’s logic in giving the guy all the reps he can possibly get before the season opener.
If, that is, that’s who the coach wants to start in Seattle.
Let’s be honest, Stidham was not bad. His stat line shows an interception, but it wasn’t his fault. He wasn’t perfect, and didn’t score, but he certainly didn’t “cost” himself a job. He was, well, fine.
Stidham enters his sixth season, the 144th pick in 2019 (he didn’t take a snap in 2021); he’s played in 16 games and started in just four. Surely, not everyone has missed what Stidham can do.
But with Nix, there’s not only a huge investment, but huge upside.
There’s also a longterm approach. Nobody in Denver is keeping their calendar open for a potential trip to the Super Bowl in February. Not this February.
More than arm strength or mastery of the offense, Nix has what Wilson is running out of, and what Stidham hasn’t necessarily taken advantage of over the course of his career – time. And that’s why it’s important not to throw him into the fire.
In short, Nix looked like a competent rookie who’s been handled correctly thus far.
What if – despite being the best quarterback on the roster – Payton doesn’t even want to start Nix in the season opener?
The upside? Nix puts up a win in his first game against a real defense, not a vanilla version, one that’s designed to stop the opposition rather than evaluate players. He does what Russell Wilson (with the help of Nathaniel Hackett) could not in his Broncos debut and is quickly handed the keys to the city.
The downside? Nix looks like a rookie. That real defense and deafening crowd noise in Seattle exposes his weaknesses and progress (or lack thereof). He – and Payton – enter Week 2 amidst doubt and hesitation against a Steelers team that could put the Broncos biggest decision right smack dab under the spotlight. Talk about a huge risk.
Which scenario seems more likely? Maybe neither, but if everyone is agreement that the Broncos aren’t bound for the Super Bowl this season, one loss – or one win – isn’t a big deal. It’s certainly not worth rushing the most important player drafted by the Broncos in recent history.
Why not let Stidham, or even Wilson, take the early heat. If they succeed, great, perhaps Nix falls into Jordan Love-type situation. If they fail, Nix gets more time to develop, more time to build confidence, more time to be the guy longterm.
Yes, that’s a far-fetched hypothetical. The early look at the Broncos suggests they could be better than expected and there are still two more preseason tests before the real thing takes place.
If Bo Nix continues to shine – and it’s obvious – by all means, call him the starter.
But, over the next two games, if Nix doesn’t significantly outshine Stidham and Wilson, there’s no rush; time is on his side. Payton, of all people, understands that best. Afterall, more than one rookie quarterback has fizzled from being thrust into the wrong situation.
Go slow with Bo. It seems to be working already.
