Broncos’ Zach Wilson shines vs. Cardinals; Broncos wrap 3-0 preseason

Zach Wilson is the most experienced quarterback on the Broncos roster and also the biggest wild card.

In a training camp more methodical than magical at quarterback, Wilson led the Denver trio in eye-popping plays – the good kind and the bad kind.

In one of many complimentary answers about Wilson in recent weeks, head coach Sean Payton said one of the things he appreciated about Wilson’s camp was his progress in smoothing some of the edges. Or at least his ability to not let a bad moment turn into four.

“The overall understanding of the offense, the schemes of what we’re doing and decision making,” Payton listed as areas of improvement. “Then also, ‘one play, get on to the next.’ It’s not going to be perfect. An incompletion is a good play, it’s not a bad play.

“We’re avoiding sacks, fumbles and interceptions.”

Wilson put that on display in his extensive preseason finale work against Arizona, accounting for three total touchdowns in a 38-12 demolition of the Cardinals.

He started a bit rocky, but then a 21-yard run punctuated by a lowered shoulder got him in rhythm. Later, he nearly got sacked and nearly threw an interception on the same play. The next snap? A missile over the middle to Troy Franklin for 21 yards.

Sunday showed Wilson’s pitfalls but also his promise. Jarrett Stidham marched the opening drive 10 plays and helped punch in a touchdown.

Then Wilson got the rest of the game. His final line: 16-of-25 passing for 251 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Wilson also took four sacks but rushed for 22 yards and a third-quarter touchdown from a yard out.