Stidham saw a batted ball go the other way for an interception and took one sack on the night. He led the Broncos to a field goal in the third quarter but didn’t help his team put any points on the board on his other drives. Stidham needed a strong night after Bo Nix threw for 80 yards and a touchdown on his two drives but was unable to deliver. It wouldn’t be surprising if we learned that Nix locked up the QB1 job after this week’s performance.

Stidham’s interception was not his fault; RB Samaje Perine bobbled a pass that led to Colts CB Kenny Moore II successfully executing the . Stidham failed to make a strong case for the starting role overall though, likely making the remaining QB competition reps largely a formality.

Rookie Bo Nix is listed as third on the depth chart, which presumably leaves Zach Wilson as the QB2 for Sunday’s contest. Stidham is a six-year vet and a knower of Sean Payton’s offensive system after spending last year with the team. It’s not surprising to see him draw the nod in the team’s first preseason contest, as it’s possible the team will look to ease Nix into his first game of live NFL action. We wouldn’t expect the Broncos’ depth chart to look this way for long, but it’s possible Nix opens the year as a backup rather than as the team’s QB1.