Jarrett Stidham: The Unsung Hero Behind Denver's AFC Hopes

Jarrett Stidham is stepping into the spotlight for the Denver Broncos. He's taking over for the injured Bo Nix in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots. This move has sparked some interesting reactions, especially from former Patriots teammate Devin McCourty. McCourty shared a lighthearted moment he had with Stidham. He reminded Stidham of their time in Foxborough, where Stidham was the scout team quarterback facing off against the Patriots' starting defense. McCourty even joked about wearing his old number 32 jersey if Stidham needed a familiar target. But McCourty isn't just joking around. He's got some serious respect for Stidham's skills. He says Stidham is exactly what every team wants in a backup quarterback. He's smart, knows the game inside out, and is well-liked by his teammates. This is why Sean Payton brought him back to Denver.Stidham hasn't seen much game time recently. His experience has mostly been in practice and the preseason. But according to McCourty, Stidham has been impressive in practice, even giving the defense a run for their money. This could give Stidham a confidence boost going into the big game. The Patriots' defense is known for its unpredictability. They mix up their strategies, making it hard for any quarterback to anticipate their moves. This could pose a challenge for Stidham, who hasn't faced them at full speed in a while. However, playing at home might give him an edge. With Nix out, the Broncos will miss his mobility and clutch plays. But McCourty believes Stidham can keep them in the game. He might not have Nix's flair, but he can manage the game and give Denver a chance to win.