Millions of Broncos fans now know Jarrett Stidham’s name. He’s stepping in for Bo Nix, who is sidelined with a fractured ankle. But many might not recognize Stidham, who has spent three years as a backup without much playing time.
Nix led the Broncos to an impressive 14-3 record and a stunning overtime victory against the Bills. Now, Stidham, a seven-year veteran and former Patriots backup, carries the weight of the team’s Super Bowl hopes. He hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass in over two years and has only four career starts.
“I’ve prepared the same every week,” Stidham shared. “My preparation hasn’t changed.”
This is a big moment for “Stid the Kid,” who was drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2019. He will become the first quarterback to make his first start of the season in a conference championship game.
Stidham took practice reps this week and addressed the media like a true starter. Sam Ehlinger, now the backup, noted, “He’s been excited but sticking to his routine. The only thing changing is his practice reps.”
Stidham’s opportunities have been sparse. In the 2022 season, he started a couple of games for the Raiders, followed by two more in 2023 as a replacement for Russell Wilson. The last time he completed a pass was January 7, 2024.
Despite limited game experience, Stidham has been in Sean Payton’s system for three years and earned his coach’s trust. Payton praised him, saying, “He’s very accurate and has a lot to his ball. He will be ready.”
One standout performance came against the 49ers when Stidham completed 23 of 34 passes for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Payton recalled, “He really played well in that 49er game. That’s when we became aggressive.”
Maxx Crosby, a Raiders pass rusher, remembered Stidham as confident and bold. “He’s not just going to go in there and play it safe,” Crosby said.
Historically, backup quarterbacks have had their share of success in playoffs—think Nick Foles and even Tom Brady. However, none have made their first start of the season in a conference championship game.
Payton has highlighted Stidham’s understanding of the game, noting how well he can make his team perform. And Stidham feels ready, saying, “We practice full-speed here. That way, Sunday is not a shock.”
As the Broncos’ dreams hinge on his performance, Stidham is trying to enjoy the moment. “We’re playing in the AFC Championship! What’s not fun about this?”
Past performances of backup quarterbacks in crucial games can offer hope. For example, recent statistics show that about 20% of playoff backups have helped their teams win. Whether Stidham can defy the odds remains to be seen, but he is stepping into a pivotal role at a crucial time.
For a closer look at Stidham’s journey and the upcoming championship game, you can read more about the dynamics of quarterback performances in high-stakes situations here.
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