Payton Names Jarrett Stidham Broncos' Starting QB for Season Finale
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton wasted no time reaffirming Jarrett Stidham — not Russell Wilson — as the team's starting quarterback, opening his Monday press conference by announcing the decision for the Week 18 finale at Las Vegas.
“First off, let’s do this without any assumptions," Payton told reporters. "The depth at that position going into the game coming up will be the same with Jarrett as the starter and ‘Russ’ as the No. 2."
Relieving a benched Wilson, Stidham made his first start in a Broncos uniform in Sunday's 16-9 victory over the Chargers, completing 20-of-32 attempts for 224 yards and one touchdown — a 54-yard catch-and-run by wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey that ultimately proved the deciding score.
The offense under Stidham's guidance totaled 16 first downs and won time-of-possession (33:46-26:14) but went 7-for-17 on third down and 0-for-2 in the red zone. It was not dissimilar from the Wilson-led outfit, though enough, evidently, to earn passing marks.
"I thought Jarrett did a good job—after seeing the tape—with his decisions, the ball security, and all those things you want to see from that position," Payton said. "The big play to ‘LJ’ (WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey) was a heck of a play by LJ and the protection was good. There were a lot of positives to build off.”
Signed through 2024, Stidham is vying for next year's starting job across his two-game audition, Payton confirmed, with Denver reportedly expected to cut Wilson by March.
Stidham's second and final test will come against the hated Raiders, whom the Broncos haven't defeated since 2019. Snapping that streak would give the Broncos plenty to think about ahead of their impending search for Wilson's full-time successor.
"We are constantly evaluating how they play, and then, it would definitely carry over to how we feel about next year, relative to their role. ... I think these are important snaps and games for him," Payton said.
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