Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham Tackles AFC Championship Challenge

In a surprising turn of events, Denver Broncos Coach Sean Payton has expressed confidence in backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham as he steps up to fill the void left by Bo Nix. Nix, the team’s regular starter, is sidelined after sustaining a broken ankle in a thrilling playoff victory against the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos secured a hard-fought 33-30 win over Buffalo and now prepare for the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.

Stidham’s Preparedness for the AFC Championship Challenge

Stidham will have the opportunity to significantly increase his career win total when he leads the Broncos in the upcoming game. Despite limited practice snaps during the regular season, Stidham has worked diligently during the playoff bye week. Payton noted that Stidham has demonstrated impressive accuracy and talent in practice, often challenging the defensive unit.

Historical Examples of Backup Quarterbacks

Payton believes that losing a starting quarterback does not always spell disaster for a team. He pointed to notable examples in NFL history where backups have stepped in successfully:

• Jeff Hostetler led the New York Giants to victory in Super Bowl 25 after Phil Simms was injured.
• Nick Foles guided the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl win in 2018 after Carson Wentz went down.
• Davis Mills achieved a 3-0 record in three starts for Houston this season following an injury to C.J. Stroud.

Stidham stands at the cusp of making history himself, being only the seventh quarterback to start his first season game in the playoffs since 1950.

Understanding Stidham’s Background

A fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2019, Stidham has played in just 20 games over six seasons. His experience includes starting two games for the Raiders in 2022 and two with the Broncos in 2023. Despite this limited playing time, Payton recognizes Stidham’s vast potential, having previously targeted him during the draft.

Adjusting the Game Plan

With Stidham taking over, the offensive strategy will shift to leverage his specific skill set. Payton emphasized the importance of adapting the plan to fit the abilities of the quarterback on the field. Though Stidham has only taken a single snap this season, the coaching staff is focused on getting him ready for the pivotal match against New England.

Impact of Nix’s Injury

Bo Nix’s upcoming surgery in Birmingham, Alabama raises questions about his recovery timeline. Payton refrained from speculating on when Nix might return, emphasizing that the team’s focus is on preparing for the AFC Championship game. Nix had been instrumental in Denver’s recent success, leading the team to their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50.

Coach Payton’s decision to announce Nix’s injury postgame reflects his commitment to transparency with his players. It is essential for the team to rally around Stidham as they face a crucial challenge in pursuit of the championship title.

As Stidham prepares to lead the Broncos into battle, all eyes will be on this emerging quarterback as he takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the AFC Championship game.