Who Should I Start? Jarrett Stidham or Tyson Bagent

Sunday, August 10, 10:36 AM

Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham was sharp in the team's 30-9 victory over the hosting San Francisco 49ers on Saturday in the preseason opener, going 14-for-15 passing for 136 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 36 yards on the ground on his three carries. Stidham took over for Bo Nix after the first-team offense did little with their three series, and he promptly led the Broncos to three scoring drives. Although it was a good showing for the 29-year-old signal-caller, it was against the Niners' backup defense, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million deal in March to stay in Denver as the backup to Nix, who is entrenched as the team's starter after leading the team to the playoffs in his rookie season in 2024. Stidham did not attempt a single pass last year.

Sunday, August 10, 4:56 PM

Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 13 of 19 passes for 103 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in his start against the Miami Dolphins. Bagent played the entire first half and had an up-and-down outing. After going three-and-out on the first two drives of the game, Bagent and the Bears marched down the field on a 16-play 79-yard drive that finished with a four-yard touchdown pass to Maurice Alexander on a fourth and goal. Bagent proceeded to throw an interception on the next drive to end a two-minute drill near the end of the half. Bagent is currently in a quarterback battle with veteran Case Keenum for the backup role behind starter Caleb Williams. Keenum played well in the second half and brings a veteran presence to a young quarterback room. Bagent will need to perform better against the Buffalo Bills next Sunday as he looks to cement his backup role for the Bears in 2025.