ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Denver Broncos are placing their trust in backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham as he steps in for the injured Bo Nix in the upcoming AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots on March 15, 2024. Nix, who led the team to a 14-3 record and the top seed in the conference, suffered a fractured right ankle during the Broncos’ thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, forcing Stidham into the spotlight.
Stidham, who recently joined the Broncos after spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots, has not thrown a pass in a non-preseason game for nearly two years. Despite this, his teammates express unwavering confidence in his abilities. Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey emphasized Stidham’s readiness, stating, “Stiddy’s been waiting for this moment for the entirety of his career. He’s more prepared than anybody would be in this situation.”
Stidham’s Unique Path to the Championship
The situation Stidham faces is nearly unprecedented. The last quarterback to start a conference championship game without throwing a pass in the regular season was Roger Staubach in 1972. Yet, Stidham’s teammates believe he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive. Defensive tackle Zach Allen noted, “We have full faith in Stiddy, he’s the first guy in the building every day. He’s like a second quarterback coach out there.”
Although Stidham’s game experience is limited, with only 20 games played since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, his preparation and attitude have won him respect within the locker room. Cornerback Pat Surtain II remarked, “I’m excited for him, this opportunity, he’s got everything it takes to shine on this level.”
Stidham’s journey to this moment has been shaped by his time learning behind Tom Brady in New England and his subsequent experiences in Las Vegas and Denver. He has developed a strong rapport with Nix, who praised Stidham’s influence on his own development as a quarterback. Following Nix’s injury, Stidham expressed his commitment to honoring his friend’s contributions, stating, “Obviously, we wouldn’t be in this position without Bo, and we just want to go out there and make him proud.”
A Mix of Experience and Potential
Despite his lack of extensive playing time, Stidham’s statistics indicate potential. In the 2022 season, he completed 1,422 passing yards, with eight touchdown passes and eight interceptions. His performance in a late 2022 game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns, showcased his ability to perform under pressure. This performance was a significant factor in Broncos head coach Sean Payton‘s decision to secure Stidham with a two-year contract worth $12 million during the 2023 offseason.
As Stidham prepares for the championship game, he aims to maintain a sense of normalcy. “I’m still a vibe guy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping a positive atmosphere among his teammates. With the Broncos’ offensive line ranking eighth in the NFL for pass block win rate, Stidham’s focus will be on leveraging this support to minimize sacks, a challenge he has faced in previous starts.
The upcoming AFC Championship Game represents a significant opportunity for Stidham, who is eager to prove his capabilities on such a grand stage. As he steps into the role of starter, the Broncos rally behind him, united in their belief that he is ready for this moment.
