In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Broncos have named Jarrett Stidham as their starting quarterback for the upcoming AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots on March 15, 2024. This decision follows an unfortunate injury to starting quarterback Bo Nix, who fractured his right ankle during the Broncos’ thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.
Stidham, who joined the Broncos in March 2023 shortly after Sean Payton was appointed head coach, has spent much of his career as a backup. He will be making his first playoff start, a rare situation in the Super Bowl era, as he has not thrown a pass in a non-preseason game for nearly two years. Stidham’s last meaningful action came in the form of two games as a replacement for Russell Wilson at the end of the 2023 season, during which he attempted no passes.
Despite his limited experience, teammates are expressing confidence in Stidham’s ability to perform under pressure. Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey stated, “Stiddy’s been waiting for this moment for the entirety of his career. He can ball, he can flat out play quarterback.” His readiness reflects years of preparation, including a significant role in assisting Nix’s development.
Team Confidence in Stidham
Broncos players have rallied around Stidham, emphasizing his dedication and work ethic. Defensive tackle Zach Allen remarked, “We have full faith in Stiddy; he’s the first guy in the building every day.” This sentiment is echoed by cornerback Pat Surtain II, who noted Stidham’s calm demeanor and confidence on the field, both of which resonate with the entire team.
Stidham’s track record, though limited, showcases his potential. He has demonstrated an aggressive style, achieving an impressive average of 9.9 yards per completion during the 2023 preseason. His experience includes memorable performances, such as a 365-yard, three-touchdown game in the 2022 season against the San Francisco 49ers. That game significantly influenced Payton’s decision to pursue Stidham during the offseason.
Yet, the Broncos face challenges as Stidham steps into a high-stakes role. He has been sacked 13 times in only four career starts, a statistic that raises questions about his ability to evade pressure. Nix’s skill in avoiding sacks was a key asset, and the Broncos’ offensive line, rated eighth in the NFL for pass block win rate at 68.1%, will be crucial to Stidham’s success.
Supporting Stidham Through Adversity
Stidham’s close relationship with Nix adds an emotional layer to his performance. After Nix’s injury, Stidham supported his friend by being present with Nix and his family in the aftermath of the diagnosis. “It’s crushing, he’s one of my best friends,” said Stidham. He emphasized a team mentality, stating that the entire offense wants to make Nix proud in the upcoming championship game.
As the Broncos prepare for the championship clash, Stidham remains focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy. “I like to keep the vibes going,” Stidham said. “We’re playing in the AFC Championship, one of the last four teams playing; what’s not fun about this?”
With the stakes high, all eyes will be on Stidham as he leads the Broncos into a pivotal match against the Patriots. He steps onto the field not just as a backup stepping up, but as a player determined to make the most of his opportunity.
