ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When Head Coach Sean Payton addressed the media at the NFL Combine in late February, he acknowledged the reality of the Broncos' future at quarterback.
Payton referenced a meme with a Broncos fan wearing a shirt with the names of nearly a dozen quarterbacks all crossed out.
"Our job is to make sure this next one doesn't have a line through it," Payton said on February 27.
As the Broncos approach their preseason home opener and inch closer to the regular season, Payton remains deeply aware of the importance of finding the answer at the quarterback position.
"Every one of us recognizes the significance of getting that position settled and having [someone at] that position who we feel like we can win with," Payton said Wednesday. "When that is unsettled, it's tough on your team."
Yet while the Broncos have yet to announce which quarterback will lead the team against Seattle on Sept. 8, Payton said he's pleased with where his team stands at the position.
"It's a good group to work with," Payton said, "and I know the offensive coaches feel that way, [and] I feel that way. I like where we're at right now, and that's encouraging for our team. That's encouraging for the team. Because when that [position is] unsettled and maybe not as far along, then there's a lot of things you can do well [in other areas] and yet the team sees there's a ceiling maybe on what you can do."
In Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson and Bo Nix, Payton has three quarterbacks that he believes all "did a good job" against the Colts, as he said Sunday following a 34-30 win. And on Wednesday, Payton dove further into his evaluation of the signal-callers, saying there were "a lot of positives" from the trio of performances.
Asked about the 12th-overall pick, Payton credited Nix's ability to guide the offense to points. In five series, Nix led the Broncos to scores on four drives and 20 total points.
"His decision-making was good," Payton said. "I felt he was comfortable in the pocket. I thought his [throw] locations were good. The number one thing to do at quarterback is lead your team, and we scored. There's two plays where I think he can set his feet. He's kind of backing up a little and we can clean that up, but I liked the production with his group while he was in there. Ultimately that's their job."
Payton, too, credited Wilson for "really good" reps in his first game action after starting 33 games for the Jets over three years.
"No. 1, there's a poise because he's been there," Payton said. "I felt like he was real comfortable. Again, we were in and out of the huddle and there were no clock issues. All of that was smooth, but then his decision-making — and he's aggressive. I like that he's going to take shots, and he's got a good live arm. I thought he had a real good game, and I'm encouraged. I like what I'm seeing. That's one of the pluses about bringing someone like him in here."
Payton did not disclose when he'd like to name a starter at quarterback or a number of other positions that feature competition, but he acknowledged the Broncos' staff is often discussing the makeup of the lineup and the roster.
For now, the competition between Stidham, Wilson and Nix continues, with Nix poised to start against the Packers.
"All three of these guys are going to get a ton of work this week," Payton said.
And as they do, the Broncos will move closer to a highly important decision.
