The AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos was always expected to be heavy on defense, nerves, and legacy. What few anticipated was that the conversation heading into Sunday would revolve around a quarterback most fans did not expect to see under center this late in the season.
Denver arrives at this stage under unusual circumstances. After rookie Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury, the Broncos were forced to pivot quickly. The responsibility now falls on Jarrett Stidham, a quarterback whose role has largely lived on the margins since arriving in Denver.
Tom Brady praises his favorite quarterback ahead of the NFL Conference Championships
It is a familiar January setup. A backup steps in, pressure rises, and every comment becomes part of the buildup. This time, that tension is amplified by the opponent and by Stidham’s history in Foxborough.
“Nothing…I ain’t gonna lie, nothing. We’re going to watch the tape on him and figure out what he likes to do. They didn’t like him over Bo, so…
New England Patriots: All eyes shift to the quarterback room
Broncos head coach Sean Payton has not shown hesitation in backing his quarterback. Payton praised Stidham’s preparation, football intelligence, and accuracy, pointing out moments in practice where he challenged Denver’s own defense. According to NFL.com, Payton has consistently favored quarterbacks who can process quickly and stay composed, especially in postseason environments.
Across the field, the Patriots are approaching things differently. Defensive tackle Milton Williams offered a refreshingly honest answer when asked about Stidham during media availability. He admitted he knows “nothing” about him and emphasized that the Patriots will rely on film study to prepare. It was not disrespectful, just direct, and very New England.
Stidham’s career provides enough material for that film room. At Auburn, he produced nearly 6,000 passing yards with 36 touchdowns. Drafted by the Patriots in 2019, he later moved on to the Raiders, where he delivered a memorable 365-yard performance against the 49ers in January 2023, a game highlighted with one of the more surprising quarterback outings of that season.
“He will be ready to go and ready for the momen… One of Stiddy’s great strengths is his mental aptitude and his progression and understanding plays. There would be practices where I’m looking at [defensive coordinator] Vance [Joseph] getting [mad], because Stiddy’s making our defense look bad. He’s very accurate. He’s got a lot to his ball…
His time with Denver has been limited but steady. In two starts, he has thrown for 496 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Not spectacular, but controlled.
No one expects Stidham to carry the Broncos on his arm alone. What Denver needs is efficiency, discipline, and trust in Payton’s game plan. In a matchup defined by margins, that might be enough to keep the season alive.