At a Glance
- Denver Broncos face a sudden QB crisis after Bo Nix broke an ankle in the divisional playoff game.
- Backup Jarrett Stidham, 29, will start the AFC Championship against the Patriots.
- Stidham has 1,422 yards, eight TDs, eight INTs over 20 career games.
- Why it matters: The Broncos’ playoff fate now hinges on a rookie-turned-starter.
The Denver Broncos entered the 2024 season with a 14-3 record, the top seed in the AFC, and a defense led by a Super Bowl-winning coach. Their offense, anchored by quarterback Bo Nix, seemed poised for a deep playoff run. But a broken ankle in the final seconds of the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills has turned that trajectory upside down.
What Happened in Buffalo
During the 23-21 win over the Bills, Bo Nix twisted his ankle on a play that would have been a touchdown. The injury was severe enough to sideline him for the rest of the season, and the Broncos were left scrambling to find a replacement.
Immediate Response
- Bo Nix: Season-ending broken ankle.
- Denver Broncos: Shifted to backup Jarrett Stidham.
- New England Patriots: Now face a different challenge with a rookie starter.
The sudden change forced the Broncos to rely on a player who has never started a regular-season game for the team.
Who Is Jarrett Stidham?
Jarrett Stidham is a 6-foot-3 quarterback, 29 years old, born on August 8, 1996, and hails from Corbin, Kentucky. He was drafted No. 133 overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Patriots.
| College | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baylor | 2015 | Played one season |
| Auburn | 2017-2018 | Transferred; sat out 2016 after a semester at McLennan Community College |
Stidham’s professional journey has taken him from New England (2019-2020) to Las Vegas (2022) after a year out due to injury, and finally to Denver in 2023.
Career Stats
- 20 games played over six seasons.
- 117-for-197 passes (59.4%).
- 1,422 yards.
- 8 touchdowns.
- 8 interceptions.
- Best single-season start: 365 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs in a 37-34 OT loss to the 49ers in 2022.
The Broncos’ QB Depth Chart
| Position | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| QB1 | Bo Nix | Injured (season-ending) |
| QB2 | Jarrett Stidham | Starting for AFC Championship |
| QB3 | Sam Ehlinger | 27, emergency backup |
| Practice Squad | Ben DiNucci | 29, added after Nix’s injury |
With Nix out, Stidham is the only experienced quarterback on the roster. The team’s offensive coordinator has had to adjust play-calling to accommodate Stidham’s strengths and weaknesses.
How the Play-Calling Might Change
- Short-pass emphasis: Stidham’s accuracy over long throws is limited.
- Quick-release plays: Reduces pressure from the Patriots’ defense.
- Run-heavy options: Keeps the defense honest and opens up the passing game.
Coaches are reportedly focusing on simple, high-percentage plays to build confidence.
The Stakes for Denver
A win would secure the Broncos’ first Super Bowl appearance in a decade. Losing could end the franchise’s playoff run and raise questions about the team’s long-term direction.
- Financial impact: Playoff games bring significant revenue.
- Draft position: A deep run could push the Broncos toward a top-10 pick in the next draft.
- Fan morale: The Broncos’ fan base is eager for a return to championship contention.
Potential Challenges for Stidham
- Limited experience: No prior regular-season starts in Denver.
- Pressure of a high-stakes game: The AFC Championship is the biggest stage of his career.
- Defensive match-up: The Patriots’ defense is known for aggressive blitzing.
Despite these hurdles, Stidham’s past performance against top defenses shows he can rise to the occasion.
Supporting Cast
- Offensive line: The Broncos’ line has been solid all season, providing Stidham with protection.
- Receivers: Tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are key targets.
- Running backs: The ground game will help keep the defense honest.
What the Media Says
Reports indicate that the coaching staff is optimistic. While the article does not quote specific analysts, the narrative suggests confidence in Stidham’s ability to handle the playoff pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Denver Broncos now rely on Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix’s season-ending injury.
- Stidham’s experience is limited, but his past playoff-style performances hint at potential.
- The team’s offensive strategy will shift to accommodate Stidham’s skill set.
- The outcome of the AFC Championship will shape the Broncos’ future trajectory.
The Broncos’ fans and stakeholders are watching closely as the team navigates this unexpected quarterback crisis. Only time will tell if Stidham can lead the team to the Super Bowl.
