Broncos Coach Sean Payton Confident in Jarrett Stidham for AFC Championship
Broncos Coach Sean Payton has expressed confidence in quarterback Jarrett Stidham as the team prepares for the AFC Championship. This follows Stidham’s impressive performance during the preseason, where he showcased his skills and efficiency.
Jarrett Stidham’s Preseason Performance
In August, Stidham participated in two preseason games against the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. He completed 30 of 38 passes, resulting in:
- 376 passing yards
- Four touchdowns
- No interceptions
Stidham achieved a passer rating of 143.0, demonstrating his ability to handle the pressure of game situations effectively.
Limited Repetitions During Regular Season
As the backup to Bo Nix, Stidham has had restricted practice repetitions during the regular season. According to Payton, it is uncommon for backup quarterbacks to receive substantial reps. Instead, Stidham has focused on maximizing his mental preparation when he does not have the chance to practice physically.
Strengths and Skills
Payton highlighted Stidham’s mental aptitude and his command of the plays. He stated, “One of Stiddy’s great strengths is his mental aptitude and his progressions.” During practices, Stidham has impressed coaches, even concerning the performance of the starting defense.
Adjusting Game Plans for Stidham
Sean Payton acknowledged that the game plan would shift depending on Stidham’s different skill set compared to Nix. There are specific aspects of offensive play that Stidham excels in, particularly play-action passes. His passer rating for play-action attempts stands at 113.4 during his last four starts.
Future Matchup Dynamics
Stidham’s previous coaching experience under Josh McDaniels adds another layer of strategy for the upcoming match against teams familiar with him. McDaniels’ insights from their time together could influence how Stidham is approached on the field.
Throughout this season, Payton has watched Stidham develop and believes he is prepared for the upcoming challenge. The Broncos aim to make history by winning the AFC Championship with a quarterback making his first start of the season.
