Jarrett Stidham Aims to Join Frank Reich with Postseason Debut Victory

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham stands on the brink of a significant achievement as he prepares to lead his team in the upcoming AFC Championship. If successful, he will be only the second quarterback in modern NFL history to win his first playoff start after not starting any regular-season games.

Stidham’s Opportunity

Stidham’s chance arises due to an injury to starting quarterback Bo Nix, who sustained a broken ankle during a thrilling overtime victory against the Bills. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Stidham’s postseason debut.

Historical Context

Only one quarterback has previously accomplished this feat: Frank Reich. In 1992, Reich replaced Jim Kelly in a remarkable comeback for the Buffalo Bills against the Houston Oilers, erasing a 35-3 deficit to win 41-38 in overtime.

• Frank Reich’s notable victory came in the 1992 wild-card game.
• Reich later led the Bills to another win against the Steelers, 24-3.

Despite not starting a game during the regular season, Reich had logged 47 passing attempts over five appearances. In contrast, Stidham has not thrown a pass in the last two regular seasons. He last played in Weeks 17 and 18 of 2023 after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson for financial reasons.

Career Overview

Stidham’s career includes only four starts, with two at the end of the 2022 season after the Raiders made a similar financial decision regarding quarterback Derek Carr. His previous starts were critical in shaping his experience, but nothing compares to the stakes of the upcoming AFC Championship.

Next Week’s Challenge

In just one week, Stidham will face either the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in 2019, or the Houston franchise—descendants of the Oilers that fell to Reich 33 years ago. This game holds the potential to solidify Stidham’s place in NFL history.

The Broncos and their fans await a defining moment for their young quarterback. A victory not only secures his legacy but also reaffirms the unpredictable nature of the NFL playoffs.