The Denver Broncos will look to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to lead them in the upcoming AFC Championship Game following the injury of starting quarterback Bo Nix. Nix, who was instrumental in securing the Broncos’ position as the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a record of 15-3, suffered a broken ankle during a thrilling 33-30 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills. Coach Sean Payton is optimistic about Stidham’s potential to thrive in this critical role.
Stidham, who has seen limited action throughout the season, has been preparing for this moment. Payton noted that Stidham’s performance in practice has impressed the coaching staff, stating, “There’d be practices where I’m looking at defensive coordinator Vance (Joseph) and getting frustrated because Stiddy’s making our defense look bad.” The coach highlighted Stidham’s accuracy and skill, suggesting he has what it takes to succeed in a high-pressure environment.
The loss of a starting quarterback can derail a team’s championship aspirations, but history shows that many have overcome similar setbacks. Payton referenced notable instances, such as Jeff Hostetler stepping in for the New York Giants in 1990 after Phil Simms was injured, and leading the team to victory in Super Bowl XXV. He also mentioned Nick Foles, who took over for Carson Wentz in 2017 and guided the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl title.
“Historically speaking, all bets weren’t off with Hostetler, they weren’t off in Philly,” Payton remarked. He underscored that teams can still perform well even after losing a star player, citing Davis Mills’ success after stepping in for an injured C.J. Stroud this season. Mills recorded a perfect 3-0 record in his starts.
Stidham will become the seventh quarterback since 1950 to make his first start of a season during the playoffs, according to data from Sportradar. The only quarterback to win a playoff game under similar circumstances is Frank Reich, who led the Buffalo Bills to two victories in 1992 while filling in for an injured Jim Kelly.
Having previously started two games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and two for the Broncos this season, Stidham has experience, though he has not thrown a pass in a game since. His role will require a significant adjustment, as the team will adapt the playbook to leverage his unique skill set. “The plan’s always got to be built around the type and the skill sets of the players you’re playing with,” Payton explained.
Stidham was drafted in the fourth round by New England out of Auburn in 2019 and has largely been an unknown commodity, having played in just 20 games over six seasons in the NFL. Payton has consistently praised Stidham’s potential, recalling how he targeted him in the draft while with New Orleans. He emphasized his understanding of Stidham’s coaching background and the positive assessments he received from Josh McDaniels, who brought him from New England to Las Vegas.
As the team prepares for the championship game, Stidham’s readiness is evident. Payton expressed confidence in his backup quarterback, stating, “He will be ready to go and ready for the moment.” Nix is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama, but Payton remained non-committal regarding his recovery timeline or availability for training camp next summer.
With Stidham at the helm, the Broncos are poised to face their next challenge head-on, hoping to continue their playoff run and secure a spot in the Super Bowl.
