Broncos backup QB Jarrett Stidham lets loose in preseason finale ...

Even if Jarrett Stidham’s job as the Broncos’ backup quarterback wasn’t on the line, he sure played like it was Saturday night at Empower Field.

Letting it fly throughout the first half of Denver’s 41-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams to wrap up the preseason, the fourth-year pro produced his best performance since signing with Denver in the offseason.

Among the highlights was a 50-yard completion to rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. in the first quarter initially ruled a 75-yard touchdown — a play Stidham didn’t see because he got the wind knocked out of him.

“I had no idea (what happened),” he said. “I was running down (the field) for the next play and saw the field goal team out there. I’m like ‘What are you guys doing?’”

In the second quarter, Stidham launched the ball 49 yards down the field, hoping wide receiver Brandon Johnson was in the vicinity to make a play on the ball. Guess what? He was there to make the contested grab.

Those two passes came after Stidham led the Broncos on an impressive touchdown drive to start the game, completing 6 of 6 throws for 71 yards to set the tone early.

Stidham finished with 236 yards passing and a touchdown, and even scrambled for a first down on a 20-yard run, putting on a show in Denver’s lone preseason home game. But more importantly, he delivered in front of head coach Sean Payton, who was one of the reasons why he chose to sign with the Broncos last spring.

“(Payton’s) history in New Orleans, with quarterbacks and winning,” he said. “That was a big reason for coming here.”

Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Denver after playing for Las Vegas in 2022. His performance in the Raiders’ final two games of the regular season, when he combined for 584 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions, was enough for the Broncos to invest in him.

Stidham improved each game over the course of the preseason. His performance against Arizona (5 of 15, 50 yards, one interception) was ugly. His showing against the 49ers (12 of 17, 130 yards) was just OK. But against the Rams, he cranked it up a notch.

“I was encouraged,” Payton said, praising Stidham’s decision-making.

Stidham played with a mix of swagger and toughness against the Rams. He took a beating in the pocket, but kept sticking in there. When the Broncos took a 24-0 lead early in the second, Stidham could’ve called it a night. Instead, he trotted back on the field and continued to dice up Los Angeles’ secondary.

“That’s what I’m called to do,” Stidham said. “If I gotta stay (in the pocket) and take some shots, I’m happy to do it.”

Stidham has backed up Tom Brady, Derek Carr and now Russell Wilson in his brief pro career. As he awaits an opportunity to become a starter, he said he will stay focused on improving his craft.

“That’s how I’ve always viewed myself,” Stidham said. “My preparation has stayed the same no matter what.”

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