The 29-year-old Stidham took just four snaps this season. He did not attempt a pass and recorded one rushing attempt — a kneel-down. The Broncos are the only team to not have their backup quarterback attempt a pass this season.
Nix’s absence certainly gives the Patriots the edge, and takes away what would have been a compelling quarterback matchup. Nix, drafted nine picks after Drake Maye in 2024, has proven to be effective both as a deep passer and as a runner.
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Stidham last started a game in Week 18 of the 2023 season, when he completed 20 of 34 passes (58.8 percent) for 272 yards and a touchdown in a 27-14 loss to the Raiders. He also threw an interception and was sacked five times.
“Stiddy’s ready to go,” Payton said. “We’ll rise up for the next challenge.”
Jarrett Stidham is 29.Justin Edmonds/Getty
Stidham will become the ninth quarterback since 1950 to make his first start of the season in the postseason. The other eight went 1-7, with former Bills quarterback Frank Reich earning the only victory in January 1993 — Buffalo’s famed 32-point comeback against Houston.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was on staff for Stidham’s three seasons in New England and also coached him for the 2022 season in Las Vegas, so he could share some insights on his tendencies. Stidham appeared in 13 games with McDaniels as the play-caller, starting two. He completed 77 of his 131 passes (58.8 percent), averaged 7.1 yards per attempt, and threw six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
2. The defensive battles are going to continue.
Patriots left tackle Will Campbell said before the divisional round that the Chargers and Texans boasted the best two defenses the team had played all year. Add the Broncos to that list.
During the regular season, Denver’s defense allowed an average of 287.7 yards per game, fifth fewest in the NFL, and 18.9 points, fourth fewest. The unit also was the best in the red zone, giving up a touchdown just 42.6 percent of the time.
Even though Bills running back James Cook gashed them for 117 yards on Saturday, the Broncos graded out well during the regular season. They ceded an average of 96.2 yards on the ground per game, fourth fewest in the league, with just six rushing plays of 20-plus yards, tied for second fewest. Their run-stop win rate of 32 percent ranked fourth.
If the Broncos are successful stopping the run, their ferocious pass rush unit can be unleashed. The Broncos led the league in sacks with 68, 11 more than any team. Their pass rush win rate of 45 percent ranks third highest and their pressure rate of 40.7 percent ranks second, with outside linebacker Nik Bonitto leading the way.
Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto is in his fourth NFL season.Jack Dempsey/Associated Press
Against the pass, Denver’s numbers also are impressive. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 57.8 percent of their passes — and that number drops to 46 percent when quarterbacks are pressured. Star cornerback Patrick Surtain, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has allowed a catch on only 52.5 percent of his targets.
3. The Broncos generated five takeaways on Saturday, but they struggled to do so during the regular season. The Broncos finished the regular season with 10 interceptions and four recoveries on nine forced fumbles. Their 14 takeaways tied for 26th.
Given Denver’s situation at quarterback, the Patriots should be well positioned, even against strong defensive talent, as long as they do not turn the ball over.
4. The Broncos led the league in penalty yards. Their most frequent penalty was offensive holding, followed by defensive pass interference, and false start. Cornerback Riley Moss is their biggest offender, accounting for 50 percent of their defensive pass interference penalties.
5. Outside of Nix, Denver’s 53-man roster is fairly healthy. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw returned to action on Saturday after missing time with a hamstring injury. The statuses of wide receivers Troy Franklin (hamstring) and Pat Bryant (concussion) also bear watching.
The Patriots also are close to full strength. The defense welcomed back nose tackle Khyiris Tonga on Sunday. Wide receiver Mack Hollins, who is on injured reserve because of his abdomen, is eligible to return this week as well.
Hear what Drake Maye, Mike Vrabel and more had to say about Sunday’s victory. (undefined)
Nicole Yang can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X @nicolecyang.
