INDIANAPOLIS – Sean Payton hates sacks.
Not only does he not like her, the Broncos head coach can’t stand her.
Furthermore, he puts the main blame for the sacks on the quarterback and not the offensive line.
That’s one of the main reasons he was frustrated with Russell Wilson a year ago – Wilson was sacked 45 times in 15 starts – and it’s one of the trends he’s liked about his quarterback group so far this summer.
The first preseason game on Sunday in Indianapolis showed more of the same for Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Zach Wilson. Together they trailed 41 times against the Colts on Sunday afternoon and did not concede a single sack.
“It’s about knowing where your takers are, knowing when you’re hot, having a good feel for the pocket and being on time,” Nix said after Denver’s 34-30 win. “Being in rhythm when the No. 1 or 2 isn’t there, getting to the No. 3 quickly. I always say I feel like I can do a three-step drop, lock in and throw and get the ball out without them being able to physically get to me. It’s all about a quarterback’s timing and the offensive line did a great job today of keeping us up.”
The group completed 29 of 41 passes for 279 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Here’s a closer look at each player’s performance in order of appearance.
Jarrett Stidham
Possessions/Snapshots: 2/11
Statistics: 3 of 7 passes, 37 yards, interception
Results drive: Intercept and intercept
Mark: Stidham hears “checkdown” taunts from defensive backs in practice when he hands the ball off to backs and tight ends, but he played aggressively on Sunday. The sixth-year quarterback threw back-to-back to Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick on his first two throws for a total of 27 yards.
Low light: The interception wasn’t Stidham’s fault, however. Samaje Perine was hit in the chest by the ball, jumped up, and then hit it straight to Colts safety Kenny Moore II while trying to catch it.
Analysis: Stidham played well, but took four offensive penalties on his two drives from veterans around him and then had bad luck with the interception. He only got a fraction of the snaps the other two got that day. Sean Payton said afterward that it will even out a bit next weekend against Green Bay. One question in the meantime: Will Stidham and Bo Nix share reps with the No. 1s in joint practice against the Packers? Or is it Nix all the time from here on out?
Bo Nix
Possessions/Snapshots: 5/36
Statistics: 15 of 21 passes, 125 yards, TD, three runs for 17 yards
Results drive: Field goal, touchdown, fumble, field goal, touchdown
Mark: It looked like Nix’s chance to play the two-minute drill was wasted when Lucas Krull dropped the ball on the first play of a drive, but Denver got the ball right back after an interception by Keidron Smith. Then Nix went to work, completing 4 of 6 passes for 41 yards plus a 29-yard pass interference on a pass to the left to freshman Devaughn Vele. The two-minute operation drew praise from head coach Sean Payton and veteran receiver Courtland Sutton.
Low light: The fumbled snap involving Luke Wattenberg is a red flag for two reasons: First, Nix struggled a few times in the first few weeks of practice. Second, he hasn’t played much from the midfield over the last two years at Oregon. Payton expressed a willingness to tailor the offense to the starting spot — perhaps more shotgun and pistol techniques are possible if Nix starts in Week 1 — but you have to be able to play from the midfield without worrying about ball security.
Analysis: Nix continued the path he set in training camp. A few mistakes here and there. Ball placement doesn’t completely let him down, but occasionally fluctuates just enough to make a difference. Overall, though, there’s no reason to be dissatisfied with Nix’s play. He was in rhythm, throwing the ball down the field and showing the ability to make plays from the pocket or outside. There’s still a long way to go and a lot to learn, but things are looking up.
Zach Wilson
Possessions/Snapshots: 5/32
Statistics: 10 of 13 passes, 117 yards, three runs for minus 1 yard
Results drive: Fumble, touchdown, punt, touchdown, game over
Mark: The best part of Wilson’s performance was simply his ability to play efficiently and with confidence. On a putaway drive late in the game, he found rookie running back Blake Watson down the right sideline for 33 yards.
Low light: It was a solid performance for Wilson, whose day got off to an inauspicious start when Audric Estime dropped the ball and the Colts returned it for a touchdown. There were no major issues, though. The biggest question really is whether Wilson will get a real chance against non-roster players against Green Bay or Arizona.
analysis: Wilson has obviously played against reserves, but if he continues to have good days and play aggressively while limiting mistakes for the rest of the preseason, the roster picture quickly becomes interesting. The 2021 No. 2 pick clearly has talent and seems to benefit from the structure and stability in Denver’s offensive and quarterback meeting rooms. It’s too early to say he’s a transformed player, but the early results of this project justify continued investment.
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