The Broncos decided to bench its All-Star quarterback, Russell Wilson, and start backup Jarrett Stidham.
Coach Payton spoke with various outlets about the move, insisting that it was all about winning games and not finances.
“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that,” Payton said on Wednesday afternoon via 9News Denver. “I can tell you, look, we’re desperately trying to win. Sure, in our game today, there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this, and it’s a decision I’m making, is to get a spark offensively.”
Wilson broke his silence by Tweeting on Dec. 27.
God’s got me.
Looking forward to what’s next.— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) December 28, 2023
As far as Stidham, Payton has high hopes.
“One of the things we saw when we signed Stidham in the offseason … he’s a guy that I’m anxious to see play,” Payton said. “If I didn’t feel like he gave us the chance to win, we wouldn’t be making that move.”
The Broncos take on the Chargers in Week 17. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
