Jarrett Stidham, the 29-year-old quarterback, has had a quiet season, taking just a handful of snaps and not attempting a single pass. The Denver Broncos remain the only team whose backup quarterback hasn’t thrown a pass this season.
Stidham’s upcoming game offers an interesting twist. His potential opponent, quarterback Nix, is sidelined. Nix, drafted shortly after Drake Maye in 2024, is known for his strong deep passes and mobility. Missing him changes the dynamics for the Patriots, giving them an upper hand.
Last seen starting in Week 18 of the 2023 season, Stidham completed 20 of 34 passes for 272 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Coach Sean Payton insists that Stidham is prepared for the challenge ahead, signaling confidence in his ability.
Interestingly, Stidham is set to become the ninth quarterback since 1950 to start in the postseason without having played earlier that season. Historically, most of these quarterbacks struggle; they have a combined record of 1-7. Only Frank Reich, in 1993 with the Bills, managed to win in this challenging scenario.
Stidham’s former offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, knows him well. They worked together for three seasons in New England and again in Las Vegas. McDaniels can provide key insights into Stidham’s playing style.
The Patriots are prepared for a tough battle, especially against a strong Broncos defense. This season, Denver’s defense allowed an average of 287.7 yards and 18.9 points per game, ranking among the best in the league. They excel in the red zone, allowing touchdowns only 42.6% of the time. Linebacker Nik Bonitto has been a notable contributor, leading the team in sacks.
In the postseason, the Broncos’ defense will be put to the test against the Patriots. Recent games have shown that they are formidable against both the run and the pass. Denver completed the regular season with a significant pass pressure rate of 40.7%. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain is particularly effective, allowing only 52.5% completion on his coverage options.
Despite their impressive defensive stats, the Broncos struggled with turnovers during the season, totaling just 14, which tied for 26th in the league. This inconsistency presents an opportunity for the Patriots to capitalize if they can protect the ball.
As for penalties, the Broncos led the league in penalty yards, frequently committing offensive holding and defensive pass interference. Cornerback Riley Moss has been a major contributor to this, racking up half of the team’s defensive pass interference penalties.
On the injury front, aside from Nix, both teams are in relatively good shape. The Patriots welcome players back from injury, strengthening their lineup as they prepare for the crucial matchup.
Stidham’s chance to shine will depend on his ability to step up and adapt under pressure, especially against a top-tier defense. The stakes are high, and this game could define his career moving forward.
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