Englewood, Colorado — The Denver Broncos are placing their confidence in backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham as he steps up to start in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots on January 7, 2024. This decision comes after starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle during the closing moments of the Broncos’ thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.
Stidham, who signed with the Broncos during the 2023 offseason, is set to lead the team after Nix had an impressive regular season, starting all 17 games and helping secure a 14-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the conference. “Stiddy’s been waiting for this moment for the entirety of his career,” said offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. “He’s more prepared than anybody would be in this situation.”
The opportunity Stidham is about to embrace is rare in the Super Bowl era. The last quarterback to make his first start of a season during a conference championship game was Roger Staubach in 1972, who had played 10 games the previous season. In contrast, Stidham has not thrown a pass in a non-preseason game for nearly 750 days, a statistic that underscores the unique challenge ahead of him.
Despite this lack of recent game experience, Stidham’s teammates express unwavering faith in his abilities. “We have full faith in Stiddy,” said defensive tackle Zach Allen. “He’s like a second quarterback coach out there.” Fellow teammate Pat Surtain II also praised Stidham, noting his calm demeanor and confidence, which resonates throughout the team.
Stidham’s professional journey has been marked by limited appearances. He has played in only 20 games since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019, and his game-day experience this season is limited to just four snaps with no pass attempts. Nevertheless, his preparation and attitude have made a lasting impression. “He’s always ready to compete,” remarked edge rusher Nik Bonitto.
The bond between Stidham and Nix runs deep, both personally and professionally. Stidham was among the first to recognize the severity of Nix’s injury and has been a supportive presence for his friend during this challenging time. “It’s crushing, he’s one of my best friends,” Stidham said. He emphasized the team’s determination to honor Nix’s contributions by performing well in the upcoming game.
Under the guidance of head coach Sean Payton, Stidham’s value to the team has been acknowledged. Payton played a significant role in securing Stidham’s two-year, $12 million contract during the offseason, valuing his potential to contribute both as a player and a mentor. “I take a lot of pride in being behind Bo and helping him grow,” Stidham stated.
Stidham’s vibrant personality is also a cornerstone of the Broncos’ culture. His presence extends beyond the field, where he is known for his portable stereo, affectionately called “Mr. Turtle,” which keeps the team’s spirits up. This camaraderie among teammates has fostered a positive environment, making the Broncos more unified as they face the challenges ahead.
From a technical perspective, Stidham’s aggressive playing style shines through in practice. His preseason performance demonstrated his capability, leading all quarterbacks with a 9.9 yards per completion and finishing second in touchdown passes during that period. His overall career stats include 1,422 passing yards, 8 touchdown passes, and 8 interceptions, with a standout performance in 2022 where he amassed 365 yards and three touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers.
As the Broncos prepare for the AFC Championship, one key aspect to monitor will be Stidham’s ability to avoid sacks. In his four career starts, he has been sacked 13 times, a statistic contrasting with Nix’s strong performance in managing pressures throughout the season.
Stidham’s previous success at Auburn, including victories over two No. 1-ranked teams, adds to his football resume. His capacity for shining in crucial moments has not gone unnoticed by Payton, who encouraged observers to “watch” Stidham’s performance closely.
With the weight of expectations and the desire to succeed for his teammate, Stidham approaches the game with a mindset of maintaining normalcy. “I’m still a vibe guy,” he remarked. “We’re playing in the AFC Championship Game, one of the last four teams playing, what’s not fun about this?” As the Broncos look to secure their place in the Super Bowl, all eyes will be on Stidham as he takes on this formidable challenge.
