Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or Hendon Hooker

Sunday, August 17, 11:27 AM

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals and looked amazing, going 16-for-23 passing for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-7 victory. Starter Bo Nix got this game off, so Stidham saw most of the action under center before giving way to Sam Ehlinger late. Rookie receiver Pat Bryant was one of Stidham's favorite targets, as he hooked up with him four times for 70 yards. Second-year pass-catcher Troy Franklin was his other favorite target, and both of his TDs went to the Oregon product. The 29-year-old Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million contract with Denver back in March to return as Nix's backup in 2025 and beyond. Based on the way Stidham looked on Saturday, Denver's offense could still be decent this year if Nix misses time with injury.

Sunday, August 17, 1:26 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker had his third straight subpar preseason showing on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins. The third-year signal-caller entered the game in the second half and completed just six of 13 passes for 61 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Hooker was significantly outplayed by Lions quarterback Kyle Allen, who has started two out of the team's three preseason games and looks like the best option to back up Jared Goff when the regular season begins. Hooker was a third-round pick in 2023 and spent his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in college, so he may need more time to develop. However, he's already 27 and does not appear ready to be the team's QB2, which likely puts him on the roster bubble in Detroit.