ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Jarrett Stidham is gearing up for a significant opportunity as he steps in as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in their upcoming AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. With Bo Nix sidelined due to a fractured ankle, Stidham will take the helm in a pivotal moment for the team.
Despite being with the Broncos for three years, many fans may not be familiar with Stidham’s face, as he has spent most of his time as a backup. Nix led the Broncos to a remarkable 14-3 record and secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed, igniting hopes of a Super Bowl run that now rests on Stidham’s shoulders.
Preparing for this critical game, Stidham has maintained a routine as if he were the starter. “I’ve prepared the same every single week like I am the starter,” he noted, underscoring his commitment to readiness despite limited playtime.
This will be Stidham’s first start of the season, an unusual circumstance as no quarterback has previously begun the conference championship with such a distinction. He took all first-team reps during practice on Wednesday and handled the press responsibilities typically associated with the starting role. His new backup, Sam Ehlinger, praised Stidham’s maturity and enthusiasm while noting the importance of maximized practice reps.
Stidham’s last appearance in an NFL game came on January 7, 2024, against the Raiders, marking a lengthy gap without a passing attempt. Throughout his sporadic career—four starts and a modest record of 1-3—he has completed 59.4% of his passes for eight touchdowns against eight interceptions.
Head Coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in Stidham’s abilities, highlighting the quarterback’s accuracy and experience within the Broncos’ system over the past three years. “He’s very accurate. He has a lot to his ball,” Payton stated, suggesting that Stidham is well-prepared for this moment.
A standout performance during Stidham’s tenure with the Raiders also caught Payton’s attention, where he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers. This impressive display prompted Payton to sign Stidham, despite having no prior acquaintance with him.
Former Raiders teammate Maxx Crosby admired Stidham’s confidence and ability to take risks during that game, reinforcing the notion that Stidham is not afraid to lead from the front.
With historical examples of backup quarterbacks leading teams to success in the playoffs, including Nick Foles and Tom Brady, many are optimistic about Stidham’s potential to shine on such a grand stage. Ehlinger noted that backup quarterbacks often lack practice reps with starters, but Stidham’s mental preparedness and understanding of the game have been commendable under pressure.
As the AFC Championship approaches, Stidham is focused on the task ahead. “We’re playing in the AFC Championship, we’re one of the last four teams playing, what’s not fun about this?” he mused, embracing the challenge to deliver a stellar performance and propel his team toward the Super Bowl.
With the Broncos’ defense ranking third in points allowed and first in sacks, Stidham anticipates that the high-quality practice environment will set him up well for success against the Patriots, who are currently favored by 5½ points.
Stidham’s calm demeanor may serve him well as he embarks on this crucial journey—one that can define his career and keep the Broncos’ championship dreams alive.