The Denver Broncos played a great game today against the Arizona Cardinals, leading to a 38-12 win to finish their preseason campaigns. Jarrett Stidham started things off for Denver, but it would be a short stint as he struggled against the Cardinal's defense, finishing with just 28 yards and two completions in four attempts. From here, Wilson, who is still trying to make a splash after his New York Jets stint, was given the reigns.
Solid first half for the Broncos
As mentioned above, Stidham didn't have the greatest show, but a touchdown still occurred with him on the field. Audric Estime took things into his own hands, running the ball hard through Arizona's defense to slowly push the team down the field. A three-yard rush from the running back put him in the endzone.
This would be the last we'd see of the Stidham as Zach Wilson came into the game. He didn't have the best start as a pass interference pushed him 20 yards back for the second play of the drive. His next pass was incomplete, but he shook it off and would run for 21 yards to get the first down. At third and goal, Wilson would be sacked, leading to a groan from the fans. However, the offensive unit would stay on the field and a pass from Wilson to Nigel Adkins would lead to the conversion and a TD.
The half would end with the Broncos up 14-3. A fumble from the Cardinal's offense gave Denver an opportunity for another quick run. However, this time, they were unable to score. This wouldn't matter much, though, as they'd continue to pile on the points in the next half.
Zach Wilson: forward movement with some stutters
The Broncos' possible backup put some great numbers on the board, but there were still flashes of the same old Zach Wilson. He looked like he couldn't steady himself a few times and made some erratic decisions. There was a moment when it was clear he was going to be sacked, and instead of throwing the ball away or just taking the hit, he chucked it into coverage and nearly caused an interception. He did this again, throwing the ball directly at the defensive player. These decisions make you question if Wilson could perform in any high-stakes games.
After two field goals, one from Denver and one from Arizona, and both teams also had to punt it away in the next sequences, the scoring would open up again for the Broncos. The big hit for this drive would be Wilson throwing a dart at Brandon Johnson for 37 yards and putting them at the Arizona one-yard line. From here, Wilson walked it in himself for the six points.
Wilson would have another fantastic throw with six minutes left in the quarter. It was a 46-yarder to Brandon Johnson. The game-ender came from the defense, though. Clayton Tune had a pass intercepted by linebacker Levelle Bailey, who took it 94 yards to the end zone to put the Broncos on top 37-12. Wil Lutz would nail the extra point to finish things off 38-12.
Where does Wilson stand from here?
Bo Nix is the starter of this Denver team, and that isn't a question. The question is, who do they place as his backup? Jarrett Stidham didn't play well tonight. Zach Wilson wasn't fantastic, but he did become steady as time passed. Denver will need to figure this situation out in the coming days.
Cutting Stidham would save the team about $3 million right now. However, it could be safer for them to keep all three guys on the team as they wait to see how Bo Nix will produce. After today, it looks like Wilson might be the guy taking the 2nd slot on the depth chart.