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Broncos Bench Wilson, Starting Stidham to Ignite Offense

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up and get ready for some unexpected news from the world of football because the Denver Broncos are making moves! In a surprising turn of events, quarterback Russell Wilson will be riding the bench in their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Yes, you heard it right!

Now, before you jump to any wild conclusions, let's take a step back and analyze the situation. Last year, we witnessed a similar scenario unfold with another team, the Las Vegas Raiders. They decided to bench Derek Carr and send him home, making way for the young Jarrett Stidham to shine. It seems the Broncos have taken a page out of that playbook, as Stidham is set to start on Sunday. Will he exceed expectations, just like last year? We'll soon find out!

Of course, this decision by the Broncos hasn't been officially addressed by the team. It's like a well-kept secret that only a few insiders know about. But fear not, my fellow football enthusiasts! Coach Sean Payton will be facing the media onslaught later today after practice, and we expect him to spill the beans.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waits on the snap during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan)
Similar situation to when Derek Carr was benched by Raiders last year.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game at Empower Field at Mile High, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Now, here's the twist: Wilson will still be dressed and ready to hit the field if needed on Sunday. Imagine the possibilities! The Broncos are keeping their options open for the future. Although Wilson's exorbitant salary for the next season is already guaranteed, there's another potential guillotine hanging over his head. If he's on the roster by March 17, his 2025 salary becomes guaranteed as well. The Broncos are wading through financial waters, my friends!

Hold on, I hear you asking, 'But why bench a quarterback who's been performing well?' Good question! The answer lies in Coach Payton's pursuit of that much-needed spark. The Broncos' offense has been struggling lately, and Payton wants to see what Stidham brings to the table. It's a football decision more than a financial one, or at least that's what we're led to believe.

Let's take a moment to appreciate Wilson's contribution to the Broncos this season. Despite the team's recent stumbles, he has consistently ranked in the top 10 in almost every passing category. Impressive, to say the least! But alas, football is a team sport, and the Broncos' playoff hopes are hanging in the balance. With a record of 7-8, they're in danger of extending their playoff drought to a dreadful eight years. However, there's still a glimmer of hope if they win their remaining games and if Kansas City falters.

To put things into perspective, Wilson has thrown for over 3,000 yards this season, along with 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Not too shabby! But his win-loss record of 11-19 since joining the Broncos last year hasn't quite lived up to expectations. Maybe a change is what the team needs to turn their fortunes around.

Now, let's keep in mind that no final decision has been made regarding Wilson's future in Denver. The benching is an opportunity to explore all possibilities. Will he remain a Bronco? Only time will tell. We might witness a dramatic turnaround in the team's fortunes under Stidham, or perhaps Wilson will come off the bench and ignite a late-season surge towards the playoffs. The possibilities are tantalizing!

As we eagerly await Coach Payton's press conference, there's one thing we can all agree on—football never fails to surprise us. So grab your jerseys, gather your friends, and get ready for an exhilarating showdown between the Broncos and the Chargers. This game just got a whole lot more interesting! Stay tuned, my football-loving friends, because the unexpected is about to unfold before our very eyes.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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