The Denver Broncos finished a 14-3 season, earning the AFC’s No. 1 seed. After a narrow win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, the franchise’s hopes were shattered when starting quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle before the game ended.
At a Glance
- Bo Nix leaves the Broncos with a season-ending ankle fracture.
- Backup Jarrett Stidham steps into the AFC Championship Game.
- Denver faces the New England Patriots, a team led by MVP candidate Drake Maye.
- Why it matters: A rookie quarterback could redefine the Broncos’ playoff destiny.
2023 Broncos: A Season of Dominance
The Broncos’ 2023 campaign was marked by a stellar record and a defense that earned praise across the league. Their 14-3 finish placed them at the top of the AFC, setting high expectations for a Super Bowl run. With a Super Bowl-winning head coach at the helm and a rising star at quarterback, many analysts projected the team as a legitimate contender.
The Sudden Turn: Nix’s Injury
During the divisional playoff game against the Bills, Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle just before the final minutes. The injury abruptly ended his season and left the Broncos without their starting signal-caller. The team’s management and the NFL community were left stunned, as the loss of a key player in a playoff game is a rare and dramatic event.
Enter Jarrett Stidham
Who Is He?
Jarrett Stidham is a 6-foot-3 backup quarterback who has been with the Broncos since 2023. Born on August 8, 1996, in Corbin, Kentucky, he played college football at Baylor in 2015, skipped the 2016 season, and later joined Auburn for 2017 and 2018.
Draft and Early Career
Stidham was selected No. 133 overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He spent two seasons with the Patriots, a year out due to injury in 2021, and a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 before joining Denver.
NFL Statistics
- 20 games played across six seasons
- 117-for-197 passes (59.4%)
- 1,422 yards
- 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions
- Most games in a regular season: five (2020, 2022)
- First career start (2022): 365 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions on 23-of-34 completions, in a 37-34 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers
Current Role
With Bo Nix sidelined, Stidham will start the AFC Championship Game against New England. He joins a small list of quarterbacks who have made their first playoff start of the season.
Depth Chart Adjustments
- Bo Nix remains the starting quarterback when healthy.
- Jarrett Stidham steps up as the primary backup.
- Sam Ehlinger, 27, moves to the third-string role.
- 29-year-old Ben DiNucci has been added to the practice squad.
Community Impact: Patrick Surtain II’s Foundation
Inspired by his father, a former 11-year NFL veteran, Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II launched a foundation to provide educational resources and support to middle and high school students, aiming to help them succeed both academically and athletically.
Potential Playoff Impact
The Broncos face a formidable opponent in New England, a team featuring MVP candidate Drake Maye. Stidham’s experience and proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations could be pivotal. His 2022 debut demonstrated he can manage a high-volume passing game, delivering 365 yards and multiple touchdowns against a top-tier defense.
The question remains whether a rookie-level quarterback can guide a team with a record-setting defense through the intensity of the AFC Championship. The stakes are high: a victory would keep the Broncos’s Super Bowl dream alive, while a loss would end the season abruptly.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Broncos finish 14-3, securing No. 1 AFC seed |
| 2023 Divisional Round | Broncos defeat Bills; Bo Nix breaks ankle before game end |
| 2023 AFC Championship | Jarrett Stidham slated to start vs. Patriots |
| 2023 | Patrick Surtain II foundation launched |
Key Takeaways
- The Broncos’ 2023 season was a powerhouse, but a sudden injury to Bo Nix threatens their playoff trajectory.
- Jarrett Stidham, with a solid but limited NFL résumé, will lead the offense in the AFC Championship.
- Depth chart changes and the addition of Ben DiNucci reflect the team’s preparation for uncertainty.
- Patrick Surtain II’s community work underscores the franchise’s broader impact beyond the field.
- The outcome of the AFC Championship will determine whether Denver’s Super Bowl hopes survive a dramatic mid-season setback.
