Former Patriots Teammate Provides Insightful Jarrett Stidham Scouting Report
As Jarrett Stidham steps in as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, former Patriots teammate Devin McCourty offers valuable insights. Stidham will replace the injured Bo Nix for the upcoming AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. McCourty, now a commentator for NBC, reached out to Stidham to share a lighthearted message during this transition.
Devin McCourty’s Support for Jarrett Stidham
McCourty recalled their time in New England, where Stidham served as the scout team quarterback. “I always used to joke with him and say, ‘Hey, you know who to find. Find your favorite target, No. 32,’” McCourty explained. He offered to wear a No. 32 jersey to support his former teammate, which Stidham responded to with laughter.
Stidham’s Readiness for the Challenge
Despite not having thrown a pass in a regular-season or playoff game since late 2023, McCourty assured that Stidham is no pushover. “He can throw the football,” he stated. “He’s what every team wants in a backup quarterback.” McCourty compared Stidham’s intelligence on the field to Brian Hoyer, emphasizing his understanding of plays and the respect he commands from his teammates.
Stidham’s retention by Denver, following Sean Payton’s arrival as head coach, further underscores his importance to the team. McCourty mentioned that the Patriots had considered signing Stidham as a backup for Drake Maye, but he ultimately remained in Denver.
Anticipation for the AFC Championship Game
The AFC Championship game promises to be a challenging environment for Stidham. McCourty acknowledged that the Broncos would miss Nix’s mobility and clutch playmaking abilities. He believes Stidham can keep Denver competitive, depending on their defense to make crucial plays.
- Game Details: AFC Championship between Patriots and Broncos
- Betting Info: Over/Under set at 41.5 total points on DraftKings
Patriots Defense: A Challenging Opponent
McCourty also reflected on the Patriots’ defensive strategies, noting their unpredictability. He likened this year’s defense to the Patriots’ historic strengths, stating that teams often can’t anticipate their shifts in tactics. “They do so many different things,” he remarked. While Stidham has experience against this defense, the playoff intensity will be a new experience for him.
Overall, McCourty believes Stidham’s familiarity with the system, combined with playing at home, could give him an edge as he faces the formidable Patriots defense. The upcoming matchup between Stidham and the Patriots is highly anticipated as fans await to see how the young quarterback will navigate this critical challenge.
