The Denver Broncos quarterback room is led by Bo Nix, the No. 12 overall pick of the 2024 draft. However, amid a rash of interceptions by Nix in training camp practices, backup Sam Ehlinger has made waves.
Ehlinger found undrafted rookie wide receiver Courtney Jackson on what DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens called a “50-yard touchdown BOMB.”
9News’ Mike Klis called Ehlinger “The Mad Bomber.”
“Sam Ehlinger just threw a bomb to Courtney Jackson for a TD. Was on the run to the left up against the sideline and just flipped his hips and cut it loose from the 45-yard line,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on August 4. “Threw a little smirk at Beau Lowery on the sideline before getting greeted by several teammates.”
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans noted “Texas Sam” had another “great throw” to reserve WR Michael Bandy on Monday, too.
Ehlinger, who turns 27 in September, was the No. 218 overall pick in 2021, selected by the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-5 righty, Ehlinger, signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Broncos in free agency.
He stacked days, putting on another good show on Tuesday.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Raves About Former Colts QB Sam Ehlinger
Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke very highly of Ehlinger, who one fan referred to as “3 time preseason MVP,” when asked about his new QB directly. Payton also referenced a throw Ehlinger made on the day, possibly referring to his connection with Jackson.
“Really positive,” Payton told reporters on August 4. “He’s extremely athletic. He’s comfortable throwing on the run. There’s a little moxy to him. Sometimes it can be a little big for guys. But with him, not at all. You feel like a guy that has played well before and his confidence, and he carries himself that way. He’s very good off the pocket, very good off schedule. He’s strong. I like the player a lot.
“There’s winning traits. There’s football IQ. You’re still evaluating the keys: arm strength, location. I like the foot athlete that he is and, yeah, his pedigree.”
Ehlinger is 0-3 in his career as a starter.
He has thrown for 573 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions on 63.4% completion in his career. League rules permit the Broncos and other teams to dress an emergency third quarterback on game days and not have them count towards the active roster.
Other than that, Ehlinger must beat out fellow backup Jarrett Stidham for the Broncos’ QB2 job if he wants to see even mop-up duty so long as Nix is healthy.
Sam Ehlinger Keeping Up Chemistry in QB Room
Ehlinger is replacing Zach Wilson as the Broncos’ QB3. Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency and was relegated to that emergency role in 2024. However, he had formed a tight bond with Nix and Stidham.
In an encouraging sign for the Broncos, Ehlinger has picked up where Wilson left off.
Ehlinger and Nix hung out during the offseason, just as the Broncos’ QB1 did with Stidham and Wilson last season.
Payton also called Stidham a “good” resource for Nix and Ehlinger, saying the room was “good.”
‘MVP’ QB Turning Heads During Broncos Training Camp Practices.
