Broncos’ Sean Payton Confident in Jarrett Stidham’s AFC Championship Readiness
Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, expressed confidence in Jarrett Stidham’s readiness for the AFC Championship. This comes following a robust performance during the preseason and Stidham’s significant growth within the team’s offensive system.
Jarrett Stidham’s Preseason Success
Stidham excelled in his preseason games, achieving a remarkable 143.0 passer rating. During two contests against the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, he completed 30 of 38 passes, translating to 376 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Although these games featured reserves and practice-squad players, Stidham demonstrated poise and sharpness.
Limited Regular Season Reps
Once the regular season commenced, Stidham’s opportunities were limited due to Bo Nix’s position as the starting quarterback. Payton noted that the structure of practice rarely allows for equal distribution of repetitions, saying it would be uncommon for a backup to receive substantial practice snaps.
Mental Preparation
Due to restricted on-field practice time, Stidham has focused on maximizing his “mental reps.” These entail reviewing plays and game situations without physical execution. Payton acknowledged Stidham’s strong understanding of the game, which enables him to make the most of his opportunities.
Adjusting the Game Plan
Regarding the potential change in the starting quarterback position, Payton indicated that adaptations to the game plan are essential. Each quarterback possesses unique talents, and the strategy will be tailored to leverage Stidham’s skills effectively. Data suggests that Stidham performs notably well with play-action passes, boasting a 113.4 rating during four starts compared to Nix’s 90.1.
Previous Coaching Connections
Stidham’s prior experience under Josh McDaniels, the current offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, adds another dynamic. McDaniels has previously coached Stidham and knows his strengths well. This familiarity could present challenges as the Patriots prepare for the AFC Championship.
Ready for the Moment
Payton remains optimistic about Stidham’s readiness to step into a pivotal role. He stated that the consistent training and observation over three years have prepared Stidham for big-game situations. The Broncos aim to achieve historic success by leveraging Stidham as they strive for a conference championship victory.
