Jarrett Stidham earns Payton praise in Broncos QB2 battle
Jarrett Stidham seized the early lead in Denver's backup quarterback battle after a strong first half in the Broncos' 27-7 preseason win over Atlanta. Sean Payton praised his pocket play, while Sam Ehlinger lagged behind—leaving Stidham firmly ahead for Bo Nix's No. 2 job.
Key Takeaways
- Stidham started and played the entire first half, going 9-of-15 for 131 yards, a touchdown, and a 110.7 rating.
- Payton said Stidham "played well" and did "a good job in the pocket" after Denver's opener.
- Ehlinger (10-of-14, 67 yards) trailed in the second half with the third team.
- Stidham's January AFC Championship start still hangs over the competition, but Payton praised his resiliency.
- Two preseason games remain; Ehlinger could be waived if he fails to unseat Stidham.
What did Sean Payton say about Jarrett Stidham?
After Denver manhandled Atlanta 27-7, Payton's verdict was clear. "I thought he played well," the head coach said of Jarrett Stidham. "I thought he did a good job in the pocket."
Stidham opened with much of the first-team offense and stayed in for the full first half. He hit Courtland Sutton on a deep 40-yard strike that set up an opening-drive touchdown and later connected on a back-shoulder throw Sutton hauled in one-handed. Those snaps framed why the veteran backup looks locked in as Bo Nix's understudy—coverage that also fits our Future Tech & AI Wonders beat on how roster edges are won in real time.
How did Stidham stack up against Sam Ehlinger?
Ehlinger took the second half with the third-teamers. His 10-of-14 line looked tidy on paper, but he managed only 67 yards and, per Sports Illustrated, showed a habit of leaving the pocket early. Stidham's efficiency and explosiveness clearly outpaced that showing in Game 1.
Training camp had already suggested Denver wants its longtime QB2 to earn the job again. Stidham has been the primary backup for three seasons; Ehlinger re-signed in March on a one-year, $2 million deal after practice-squad time last year.
Why does the AFC Championship still matter for the QB2 job?
Stidham started that title game on short notice after Nix's ankle injury. A game-changing fumble helped New England score its only touchdown. Payton shared the blame: "It wasn't just a disappointment for him. I was disappointed in myself."
He also praised Stidham's resiliency and "it" factor, plus how quickly the veteran operates the offense. Stidham said he is focused on putting his "nose down and just working" after the loss. Nix is expected to play the remaining preseason games, including against Green Bay, which should push Stidham back toward a standard backup role—if he keeps beating Ehlinger.
Barring a dramatic Ehlinger surge in Games 2 and 3, Stidham sits in the driver's seat. With a deep roster, Denver may not carry three quarterbacks, which could put Ehlinger on the waiver wire by month's end.