Sean Payton Speaks Out on Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham's Performance vs. Rams
Like much of Broncos Country, it sounds like head coach Sean Payton had some misgivings about backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham entering the preseason finale. However, in the wake of the Denver Broncos' 41-0 beatdown of the Los Angeles Rams, Stidham signaled strongly that Payton made the right choice to pay him.
“I thought he did really well," Payton said post-game on Saturday night. "He started off really hot. He took a shot on the one deep [pass] interference completion [and] bounced back. I thought he played well—made a lot of good decisions. I was encouraged.”
Indeed, Stidham opened the game red-hot by completing his first seven passes, finishing the night 17-of-28 for 276 yards and a touchdown with a 99.1 QB rating. He showed impressive playmaking ability, and not just with his arm.
Stidham is a sneaky-good athlete, and he displayed that on Saturday night with his elusiveness in the pocket and one scramble that netted the Broncos 20 rushing yards.
Stidham also showed real grit and toughness, hanging tough in the pocket long enough to buy his receiver time before being hit hard nano-seconds after unloading the ball. The Broncos had a few such explosive plays.
“That is what I am called to do," Stidham said post-game. "That is part of playing the position. If you have to stay in there and take some hits, that is part of it. I am happy to do it.”
The Broncos signed Stidham to a two-year, $10 million deal earlier this spring. His primary brief is to back up Russell Wilson.
On the heels of hand-picking Stidham, Payton revealed his belief that he's a starting-caliber quarterback, but to be frank, he didn't showcase that with authority in the Broncos' first two preseason games. After his showing in the preseason finale, however, it's quite clear who Payton will lean on in the event of a Wilson injury (knock on wood).
There was a reason Stidham chose to come to Denver, and he talked about that on Saturday night.
“I think Coach [Sean Payton] kind of speaks for himself," Stidham said. "His history in New Orleans and his history with quarterbacks and winning. I just want to win football games and that was a big reason for coming here. We have a tremendous defense, great skill players and a great offensive line. That culmination of things that made the decision. I am happy to be here for sure.”
What Stidham's night means for Ben DiNucci remains to be seen, but it would be a surprise if the Broncos didn't carry all three quarterbacks on the opening 53-man roster. DiNucci played well, too, finishing 11-of-15 for 117 yards and a touchdown with a QB rating of 117.9.
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