Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham steps into the spotlight for the 2025 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. This pivotal moment follows a season-ending injury to starting QB Bo Nix. It tests not only Stidham’s readiness but also head coach Sean Payton’s strategic prowess. The team aims for an improbable Super Bowl run, fueled by unwavering confidence in their “ever-ready” backup. This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
The AFC Championship presents a significant hurdle for the Broncos. Their journey to the No. 1 seed in the AFC was largely due to Bo Nix’s stellar play. Now, the team faces this challenge with a new leader under center. The organization, however, remains remarkably optimistic. They believe Stidham is perfectly poised for this critical opportunity.
The Unforeseen Challenge: Bo Nix’s Injury and Stidham’s Ascent
The Broncos’ remarkable season took an dramatic turn in the AFC Divisional Round. Bo Nix, their second-year quarterback, sustained a broken ankle. This injury happened on the game-winning drive in overtime against the Buffalo Bills. Nix’s sideline status for the remainder of the postseason thrust Jarrett Stidham into the starting role. This 29-year-old journeyman backup quarterback now carries the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Stidham’s elevation marks his first career playoff start. It’s also his first start in two years. Despite not having attempted a regular-season pass since late in the 2023 season, Stidham maintains his consistent preparation. He approaches every week as if he were the starter. This “ever-ready” mentality defines his approach to the game.
Sean Payton’s Playbook: Trusting His QB and Experience
Head Coach Sean Payton expresses strong confidence in Stidham. He describes him as “a pro” who is “really in tune” with the game. Payton has held this belief since the season’s start. He considers Stidham among the league’s top 32 quarterbacks. Payton’s immediate task is preparing Stidham for the intense environment of playoff football. Stidham’s lack of recent game action adds to this challenge.
Payton draws on valuable past experiences to navigate this situation. He recalls a similar scenario from 2019. Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees suffered an injury. Backup Teddy Bridgewater then led the New Orleans Saints to five straight wins. Payton humorously remembers telling Brees to “take your time” returning. This success highlighted the importance of the entire team elevating its performance. It wasn’t solely about the backup quarterback.
Learning from a Mentor: The Parcells Effect
Payton also sought wisdom from his mentor, Bill Parcells. Payton served as assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach under Parcells for the Dallas Cowboys. Parcells has direct experience with a backup quarterback making a deep playoff run. In 1990, Parcells’ New York Giants lost starting quarterback Phil Simms to an ankle injury. Jeff Hostetler stepped in. He led the Giants through the final regular-season games. Hostetler then orchestrated a Super Bowl victory over the Buffalo Bills.
While Hostetler had a couple of regular-season games to adapt, Stidham lacks recent game experience. However, Parcells’ story proves that a backup quarterback can create a “Cinderella run.” This historical precedent provides a powerful narrative for the Denver Broncos.
A Tailored Approach: Game Planning for Stidham
Payton emphasizes a highly tailored approach for Jarrett Stidham. He focuses on identifying “what are the things that they [the quarterback] like?” and “What are the things that they do well?” The offensive scheme will be built around Stidham’s specific skill set. This strategy also considers the opponent, the New England Patriots.
A conservative game plan will not suffice against the Patriots. Payton expects Stidham to play aggressively. “He’s going to rip it,” Payton states, “and that will be our approach.” This aligns well with Stidham’s confident personality. Payton believes this confidence serves him well in high-pressure situations. Stidham’s “more classic drop-back skill set” will guide the offensive adjustments. The team trusts his throwing ability will prevent the defense from being overly burdened.
Locker Room Confidence: Vets Rally Around Stidham
The Broncos locker room has quickly moved past the initial shock of Nix’s injury. Players are rallying emphatically around Jarrett Stidham. All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen, speaking via conference call, affirmed the team’s “full faith in ‘Stiddy.'” Allen praises Stidham’s dedication. He notes Stidham is “the first guy in the building every day.” He “prepares like a starter.” Allen also highlights Stidham’s intelligence. He describes him as “really, really smart” and “like a second quarterback coach out there.” Stidham is capable of making “every single throw.” This was evident in his previous games with the Broncos and Raiders.
Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey reinforced the “utmost confidence” in Stidham. He echoed Payton’s remarks. McGlinchey, who considers Stidham one of his best friends, emphasized Stidham’s deep love for football. He noted Stidham’s continuous absorption of the team’s strategies. McGlinchey also confirmed Stidham’s readiness for this moment. Stidham’s consistent daily routine over three years proves his preparedness. He always readies himself as if he were the starter.
Unwavering Support from Key Teammates
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton highlights Stidham’s extensive preparation. He also points to his consistent demeanor. Cornerback Pat Surtain II describes Stidham’s confidence as a “rare” mojo. He believes Stidham has “everything it takes to shine.” McGlinchey further adds that Stidham is “more prepared than anybody would be in this situation, and he can ball.” This collective support fuels the team’s “storybook season” narrative.
Stidham’s Unwavering Preparation: “Ever-Ready” Mentality
Jarrett Stidham is intensely focused on the team’s success in the upcoming 2025 AFC Championship Game. He downplays personal attention and potential life changes. Ahead of his first career playoff start, Stidham emphasizes his primary concern: helping his teammates deliver. The national media spotlight is secondary. A significant motivation for Stidham and the Broncos’ offense is honoring Bo Nix. “We wouldn’t be in this position without Bo,” Stidham acknowledges. The team desires to make Nix proud.
Despite his few career starts, Stidham asserts his preparation remains consistently high. He approached every week, even while backing up former Broncos quarterback Russ Wilson, as a starter. This “ever-ready” approach is key. He believes this rigorous, consistent preparation, including “full speed” practice reps against the Broncos’ “real good defense,” will be a major asset. “You try to make practice as hard as possible,” Stidham noted, “that way Sunday it’s not a shock.” Payton publicly praises Stidham’s decision-making and arm strength. He expresses confidence that Stidham’s “calm demeanor” suits him well.
Historical Echoes and the Path Forward
The Broncos’ situation draws parallels to other backup quarterback success stories. These include Nick Foles’ Super Bowl LII victory with the Philadelphia Eagles. Tom Brady’s initial ascent with the New England Patriots in 2001 also resulted in a Super Bowl win. While Stidham isn’t expected to be the “next Brady,” the article emphasizes that the game’s outcome isn’t predetermined. The team believes Stidham is the ideal backup for such a critical situation.
Stidham’s last notable playing time occurred at the end of the 2023 season. He temporarily stepped in for then-starter Russell Wilson. His past performances, including a “stellar 2025 preseason” and a strong showing against the 49ers with the Raiders in 2022, demonstrate his capabilities.
A crucial factor for the Denver Broncos in their playoff run is the potential return of starting running back J.K. Dobbins. His 21-day practice window was recently opened. McGlinchey underscored Dobbins’ importance as a “huge energy piece.” His healthy return would provide a significant boost to the team. This is true regardless of who is at quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jarrett Stidham’s experience level leading into the AFC Championship?
Jarrett Stidham, a 29-year-old journeyman, is set to make his first career playoff start and his first start in two years for the Denver Broncos in the 2025 AFC Championship Game. While he has limited regular-season starts, he has consistently prepared as if he were the starter, even while backing up other quarterbacks. His experience includes a strong 2025 preseason and a notable performance with the Raiders in 2022.
How has Sean Payton prepared Jarrett Stidham for this high-stakes playoff game?
Head Coach Sean Payton has expressed long-standing confidence in Stidham, viewing him as a “pro” and a top-32 quarterback. Payton is drawing on past experiences with backup quarterbacks, like Teddy Bridgewater’s success filling in for Drew Brees, and mentorship from Bill Parcells, who led the Giants to a Super Bowl with backup Jeff Hostetler. Payton’s game plan for Stidham is tailored to his specific skill set, favoring an aggressive approach built around what Stidham does best.
What factors contribute to the Denver Broncos’ confidence in Jarrett Stidham for the AFC Championship?
The Broncos’ confidence in Stidham stems from several factors. He has “marinated” for three years in Sean Payton’s offensive system, demonstrating a deep understanding. Teammates like Zach Allen and Mike McGlinchey attest to his diligent preparation, intelligence, and consistent “ever-ready” mentality. Stidham’s calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to make every throw also contribute. The team is also inspired by historical precedents of backup quarterbacks leading teams to playoff glory.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos face an extraordinary challenge in the 2025 AFC Championship Game. Their Super Bowl aspirations now rest on Jarrett Stidham’s shoulders. Despite the unexpected circumstances of Bo Nix’s injury, the team’s resolve remains unshaken. Fueled by Sean Payton’s strategic acumen, Stidham’s unwavering preparation, and profound locker room confidence, the Broncos are ready. They aim to extend their “storybook season” with an unlikely victory against the New England Patriots. This game is more than just a championship; it’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the belief that an “ever-ready” backup can lead his team to glory. The football world watches to see if Stidham can etch his name among playoff legends.
