On Sunday morning, Denver Broncos coach said that he has complete confidence in backup Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham is slated to start the next AFC championship game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Coach Payton is confident that 29 year old quarterback is ready for his first postseason moment.
Here is what Payton said about Stidham. “I know how he was coached in New England. I know exactly how he was coached in New England. And then I know how [current Patriots OC Josh] McDaniels felt about him … but ultimately … it’s our three years here, our three years watching him day in and day out. He will be ready to go.”
The Broncos signed Stidham in 2023 as a free agent. Coincidentally, it was the first season of Payton with the Broncos. Stidham has only appeared in one game this season, with four snaps. In the last year, Stidham appeared in three games. In 2023, he had significant playing time when he started for the final two games after Payton had benched Russell Wilson. In those two games, Stidham threw two touchdowns and an interception. It also included a 16-9 win against the Los Angeles Chargers in week 17.
Payton, the coach, also said that Stidham has stayed sharp because he had faced the Broncos’ starting defence every day in practice.
“Splitting reps on offense just doesn’t happen; in a workweek, the reps are limited, and the starter wants them,” Payton said. “But one of Stiddy’s strengths is his mental aptitude, and his progressions and understanding play. There would be practices I’d like looking at [DC] Vance [Joseph] getting pissed off because Stiddy’s making our defense look bad. He’s very accurate. He’s got a lot to his ball.”
He also pointed out the success of some backup quarterbacks throughout the years in fill-in roles. He included the example of Teddy Bridgewater’s 5-0 run with the Saints when Drew Brees was injured during 2029. He also said that Davis Mills started in place of C.J. Stroud this season when the Houston Texans went 3-0.
He also said that he will begin his game planning very early for the Sunday game. “Plan has always got to be built on the types and skill sets of players you’re playing with. Are there certain things Bo does differently from Stiddy? Absolutely.”