Cam Newton, Josh McDaniels Discuss Jarrett Stidham’s Potential
Jarrett Stidham, the Denver Broncos quarterback, steps into a crucial role as the team prepares for the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. With just 18 regular-season snaps and no completed passes over the last two seasons, Stidham remains an enigmatic player. He will take the helm due to Bo Nix’s recent ankle injury, which occurred during Denver’s thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills.
The Importance of Stidham’s Transition
This pivotal game could mark a significant moment in Stidham’s career. He has only made four NFL starts, with his last outing taking place on January 7, 2024. That game ended in a 27-14 defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders. Nix had been the starter for the Broncos, appearing in all 36 games since Stidham’s last start. Now, the spotlight is on Stidham as the Broncos aim for a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Josh McDaniels Advocates for Stidham
Josh McDaniels, currently part of the Patriots coaching staff, is familiar with Stidham’s capabilities. Stidham was drafted by New England in 2019 while McDaniels served as the offensive coordinator. Following McDaniels’ transition to the Las Vegas Raiders, he acquired Stidham and gave him opportunities to start, particularly after benching Derek Carr in 2022.
This week, McDaniels praised Stidham, highlighting his intelligence and work ethic. “Smart, accurate, great human being, worked hard, great teammate,” McDaniels stated. He expressed confidence in Stidham’s readiness, despite limited game time.
Newton Raises Concerns
Former New England quarterback Cam Newton also voiced his thoughts on Stidham’s upcoming performance. In a recent interview on ESPN’s “First Take,” Newton emphasized the significance of Stidham’s preparation during their shared time with the Patriots. Both players were coached by Gus Malzahn at Auburn, further cementing their connection.
- Newton noted Stidham’s preparedness and understanding of the playbook.
- He raised questions about Stidham’s ability to adapt during difficult game scenarios.
- Newton confirmed Stidham’s skill set to make all necessary throws.
A Game to Remember
The AFC Championship Game between the Broncos and the Patriots is set for 2 p.m. CST on Sunday, broadcasting live on CBS. The winning team will advance to Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8. The matchup promises excitement, with the NFC Championship featuring the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks later that day. This brings a mix of anticipation and pressure for Stidham as he faces a well-known foe.
