With most of the starters sitting out for both teams Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham threw a pair of touchdown passes to Troy Franklin in a 27-7 rout of the Arizona Cardinals

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham's 27-yard touchdown connection with wide receiver Troy Franklin is picturesque.

The Denver Broncos took a 14-7 lead over the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter of their preseason showdown at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday evening when quarterback Jarrett Stidham connected with wide receiver Troy Franklin on a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Only one starter played for the Broncos - tight end Evan Engram who showed he was overqualified with a 58-yard catch-and-run. Franklin had two TD catches.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Troy Franklin reconnect on a 17-yard back shoulder touchdown catch.

Stidham competed for the starting quarterback job with Bo Nix last summer and then spent the 2024 season as the team's QB2 after Nix won QB1 duties. After the game on Saturday, Stidham was asked about recalibrating and being the No. 2 quarterback behind Nix in 2025.

Preseason hype for Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has died down considerably following his shaky performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Media and fans