The recent Denver Broncos’ organized team activities witnessed former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson stepping into the spotlight, but not quite in the way fans hoped. The scene at the Broncos practice was reminiscent of Wilson’s tumultuous times with the Jets, as he struggled to connect with the first team during 11-on-11 drills.
Zach Wilson Rough Transition to the First Team
Wilson’s debut with the Broncos’ starting offense was anything but smooth. The Denver Post captured the essence of the session, describing Wilson as “rattled.” His performance was peppered with missteps, including a particularly glaring error when he was caught off guard by a corner blitz from Ja’Quan McMillian, resulting in an interception by safety P.J. Locke.
Further complicating his day, Wilson overthrew wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. on a deep route and missed running back Javonte Williams with a short pass. Even his attempts to connect with wideout Brandon Johnson were thwarted by cornerback Damarri Mathis.
Despite these setbacks, there was a glimmer of hope. Wilson’s strongest throw came on a comeback route to Mims, showcasing his notable arm strength, a quality that has not gone unnoticed despite the day’s overall inconsistency.
Denver Broncos Coach’s View and the Ongoing QB Competition
Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton remains optimistic about Wilson’s ability to adapt to the team’s playbook. “When we got Jarrett [Stidham], there was a pretty significant iPhone-to-Android adjustment there,” Payton remarked. “Whereas in Zach’s case, there’s a little bit of similarities relative to how things are called. These guys picked it up quickly.
The quarterback position at Denver is up for grabs, with Wilson competing against Jarrett Stidham, who had been working with the second-team offense and displaying consistent accuracy, and rookie Bo Nix, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nix, who performed solidly with the third team, also shows promise, coming off a stellar season with a 77.4% completion rate at Oregon.
Denver Broncos Future Outlook
As the Broncos navigate through their preseason activities, the quarterback competition remains a focal point. Wilson, still early in the race, has the opportunity to refine his approach and demonstrate his capability to lead Denver’s offense. The coming weeks will be crucial for him to shake off the ghosts of his past with the Jets and embrace his new role with the Broncos.
For fans and analysts alike, the unfolding drama in Denver’s quarterback saga continues to be a compelling storyline to follow as the NFL season approaches. Will Zach Wilson rise to the occasion, or will the pressures of his new environment echo the challenges of his past? Only time will tell.
Source: nypost
