But there’s a twist: Bo Nix’s season ended with an ankle injury in the Divisional round, opening the door for backup Jarrett Stidham. He’s a quarterback with zero playoff history, and his last NFL pass was in 2023, but the Broncos aren’t rattled. They’ve got confidence in Stidham’s football IQ and command of the offense.
💡 Stidham’s pedigree in the system shines: in the 2024 preseason he completed 30 of 38 passes for 376 yards with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Broncos OC Joe Lombardi says Stidham has long been “outstanding,” noting he knows the playbook cold and is a professional who prepares like a vet.
With a season of familiarity behind him, Stidham has built rapport with his teammates and should have at least some comfort stepping into the biggest game of his career. The key challenge? The Patriots still hold the playoff advantage, and New England could lean on OC Josh McDaniels to relay insights about Stidham’s tendencies from his New England days.
Defensively, the Patriots could mix up pass-rush strategies to keep Stidham off balance, especially since he hasn’t seen game action in a couple of years.
🔊 Bottom line: a championship showdown loaded with intrigue, with Stidham aiming to seize the moment and Denver chasing a return to glory. It’s a must-watch clash full of nerves, strategy, and big plays. 🏈📊⚾🔥
