Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is confident in Jarrett Stidham’s ability to step up as the starting quarterback in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. Stidham will replace Bo Nix, who suffered a broken ankle during the Broncos’ recent overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Jarrett Stidham: A Backup Ready for the Spotlight
Despite limited practice snaps throughout the season, Stidham has prepared well during the playoff bye week. Payton praised Stidham’s offensive skills, emphasizing his accuracy and strong arm. “He makes our defense look bad in practice,” Payton remarked, highlighting Stidham’s potential as a playmaker.
Historical Context of Backup Quarterbacks
The Broncos are not new to backup quarterbacks stepping into significant roles. Payton referred to past instances, such as Jeff Hostetler leading the New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory after stepping in for an injured Phil Simms in 1990. Similarly, Nick Foles took over for Carson Wentz in 2017, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl win.
- Hostetler led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl 25 despite being a backup.
- Foles took the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win against Tom Brady.
Stidham will become the seventh quarterback since 1950 to make his first start of a season in the playoffs, according to Sportradar. Frank Reich is the only quarterback in this group to achieve a win, doing so for the Buffalo Bills in 1992.
Preparation and Changes Ahead
Stidham’s playbook will require adjustments to match his skill set, which differs from that of Nix. Payton noted that they will tailor the game plan to leverage Stidham’s strengths effectively. Stidham, drafted by New England in 2019, has had limited opportunities, starting just four games in the NFL.
Payton showed confidence in Stidham’s abilities, asserting that he has the talent to start for many teams. “I targeted Stidham in the draft when I was in New Orleans,” he said, emphasizing Stidham’s potential based on previous experiences with him.
Injury and Recovery of Bo Nix
Nix will undergo surgery for his ankle injury, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain. His injury shocked the team, especially after he had played through the game to secure the Broncos’ first playoff win since Super Bowl 50.
Payton initially thought Nix’s injury was just a sprain. The team celebrated their victory, only to be met with the disappointing news later. “I wanted the team to hear it from me first,” Payton explained. The Broncos must now rally around Stidham as they prepare for this critical playoff matchup.
