To Stidham’s credit, he certainly seemed calm and confident when he spoke to reporters on Wednesday. With his wet, frizzy hair dripping from the back of his Broncos-branded cap, an unflappable Stidham answered questions with the demeanor of a seasoned professional.
Denver will hope he does a similar job on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
“Yeah, I think every week — when I was backing up Russ(ell Wilson), I’ve prepared the same week like I’m the starter,” Stidham said. “Of course, it hasn’t been like that minus two weeks. So my preparation hasn’t changed at all. And yes, I just look at it that way.”
The 29-year-old Stidham was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2019 and was also with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Broncos. He’s in his third season in Payton’s offense, but hasn’t started since Week 18 of the 2023 campaign when he was named the team’s starter on Wilson’s bench.
Stidham appeared in just one game last regular season, which came in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. He threw no passes and played four snaps. He hasn’t thrown an official pass since Week 18 of the 2023 season in his aforementioned previous start.
Some factors work in Stidham’s favor. New England has no tape of Stidham beyond his preseason performance (which was excellent).
He’s spent so much time in the shadows that he’s still able to live life normally, even going undetected on a shopping trip to Target with his kids this week.
He’s also received a lot of support from Broncos fans who likely understand their last hope of seeing their team return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years rests on his shoulders.
“I’m not actually on social media right now, but I’ve had a lot of people send me the LeBron meme with the headphones and sunglasses,” Stidham said. “So I guess it’s kind of funny, but it’s great. Broncos Country, in my opinion, arguably the best fan base in sports. I’m really excited to get out in front of them. And it’s been a long time since this game has been played here. I know they’re going to rock on Sunday.”
If Stidham performs in a way not seen since Nick Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII victory over the Patriots in the 2017 season, his anonymous life will be a thing of the past. It’s a sacrifice he’d likely welcome if it meant helping his Broncos achieve their ultimate goal — and an outcome that wouldn’t shock his teammates, even after they lost their leader in Nix.
“It was one of those quick transition things. You’re sad and then you have to realize we still have work to do,” Sutton said. “You know the guys that are going to be out there are qualified to do what they do. Jarrett is qualified. He’s had success in the NFL, gone out and made plays. He’s a very, very talented guy in terms of football IQ and just football ability.”
Stidham will get a high-profile chance to prove Sutton in front of the Nationals on Sunday.