ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — When Sean Payton took the helm as head coach of the Denver Broncos in the 2023 offseason, the team quickly moved to enhance its roster during the early hours of free agency. Two significant signings included offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Ben Powers, highlighting Payton’s strategy of fortifying the team’s foundation. However, the third player brought in during this wave was quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a name that has recently gained traction among football fans.
Stidham is set to start for the Broncos in this Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots after starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle in the closing moments of Denver’s thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. Nix had an impressive season, starting all 17 regular-season games and leading the team to a 14-3 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the conference.
“Stiddy has been waiting for this moment his entire career,” McGlinchey stated. “He’s more prepared than anyone would be in this situation. And he can play, he can flat out play quarterback. We’ve seen it every day in practice. I have no doubts he’s going to go out there and play his butt off.”
This scenario is notably rare in the Super Bowl era, with the last comparable case occurring in 1972 when future Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Roger Staubach made his first season start in a conference championship game. Unlike Staubach, who had started ten games the previous season, Stidham enters this game with limited experience, having not thrown a pass in a non-preseason game for 749 days. According to ESPN Research, he and Joe Webb (2012) are among the only quarterbacks since 1950 to commence a playoff start with zero passing yards in that season.
Despite the challenges of being thrust into such a high-stakes situation, Stidham’s teammates are confident in his abilities. Defensive tackle Zach Allen emphasized the faith the team has in Stidham, noting his commitment and attitude, while cornerback Pat Surtain II expressed excitement about Stidham’s opportunity, stating, “He talks a little trash. When you see that confidence, it definitely resonates with the whole team.”
Though Stidham’s game experience is limited, having played just 20 games since being drafted by the Patriots in 2019, his teammates commend his mentality and competitive spirit. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto remarked on Stidham’s readiness to compete and his lively personality, which energizes the team.
As the Broncos prepare for their championship matchup, Stidham’s journey reflects resilience and opportunity. Having learned from legends like Tom Brady during his time with the Patriots and steadily developed through his career, he is poised to seize this chance on the big stage. The anticipation surrounding Stidham could ignite a fresh chapter for the Broncos, showcasing the team’s depth and the power of belief in one another.