Maxx Crosby Offers Guidance to Jarrett Stidham on Broncos’ Future

Maxx Crosby, the defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, has expressed his support for quarterback Jarrett Stidham ahead of the Denver Broncos’ upcoming AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. Despite their rivalry, Crosby has commended Stidham’s competitive spirit and performance during his tenure with the Raiders in 2022.

Crosby’s Praise for Stidham

Crosby and Stidham were teammates in Las Vegas, where Crosby closely observed Stidham’s capabilities. Stidham made an impact during the final games of the 2022 season, notably throwing for over 340 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. This performance caught the attention of Broncos coach Sean Payton, who later signed Stidham as the first player under his new regime.

• Crosby noted that Stidham was a “great friend” and “a competitive individual.”
• During the 2022 season, Stidham excelled against top defenses, showcasing a strong command of the game.

When Payton took over as the Broncos’ head coach, he discussed Stidham as a potential starting quarterback. In 2023, Stidham backed up Russell Wilson but ended the season as the starter for two games. He recorded a total of 496 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a win against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Impressions from Practice

Crosby emphasized that Stidham earned his respect during practices, stating he was “tough as hell.” The two frequently clashed in practice scenarios, where Stidham displayed resilience and confidence, earning Crosby’s admiration.

Crosby expressed disappointment when Stidham joined the Broncos but praised the team for making a strong choice. Stidham’s patience has prepared him for this moment, as he practiced rigorously behind Bo Nix without having thrown an official regular-season pass until now.

Crosby’s Advice for Stidham

Looking ahead, Crosby shared his advice for Stidham. He stated, “He’s not just gonna go out there and dink and dunk. He’s gonna try to help them win the game.” Crosby highlighted the strengths of the Broncos, including their solid offensive line and top defense, emphasizing that Stidham should play confidently rather than conservatively.

• Key components for Stidham’s success include:
• A well-established offensive line featuring All-Pros Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz.
• A strong defense that has been a cornerstone of the Broncos’ strategy.
• Possible return of leading rusher J.K. Dobbins from injury.

Stidham is set to face the team that originally drafted him, adding an intriguing layer to the championship matchup against the Patriots. With high expectations and solid backing from Crosby, the Broncos are hopeful that Stidham can lead them effectively in the upcoming game.