When Bo Nix went down with that season-ending injury against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, the entire weight of the Broncos’ Super Bowl dreams landed square on Jarrett Stidham’s shoulders. The veteran quarterback hadn’t thrown a regular season pass since finishing out the 2023 season filling in for Russell Wilson, but there he was, suddenly tasked with leading the team against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Early on, it looked like they might actually do it. After an opening three-and-out, Denver’s offense rallied for a second-drive touchdown. For a minute, it felt like “Stiddy” and the crew had enough juice to punch their ticket to the big show.
The AFC Championship Collapse
Man, what a gut punch that was. After that early touchdown, the efforts fizzled, and zero points were added to the scoreboard through the final three quarters. Three straight quarters of nothing. His lost fumble and that interception proved absolutely brutal and costly. The Broncos’ miraculous season came to a crushing end with a 10-7 loss. Stidham went 17 of 31 for 133 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception in that AFCCG, while also taking three sacks and losing a fumble. Fans were definitely upset with that performance, and who can blame them? It was a tough watch.
The Battle for Backup Begins
Now, Stidham is heading into his fourth year with the Broncos, trying to lock down that primary backup spot behind Nix for the 2026 season. Is it a done deal? Not by a long shot. At 30 years old and in his seventh year in the league, Stidham is presumed to be the favorite to win the job. Head Coach Sean Payton and newly crowned Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb have given nothing but praise for Stidham during his time in Denver, and he was even Payton’s first outside free agent signing when he took over. Plus, Stidham clearly has more experience with and knowledge of Payton’s system than Sam Ehlinger. Stidham’s overall mechanics and ability as a quarterback are a bit more advanced, too.
But Ehlinger is breathing down his neck. Ehlinger might have a slight edge when it comes to arm strength. Is that one edge enough to unseat a longtime NFL backup who knows the playbook inside and out? That’s the question for the Broncos’ coaching staff as the season gets rolling.
This isn’t just about “who holds the clipboard.” This is about trust, about who the Broncos can rely on if Nix ever goes down again. Stidham wants that job, but with Ehlinger competing for it and that playoff loss still fresh in everyone’s minds, he’s got to prove he’s the guy. The competition is on for the 2026 season, and the stakes for that backup spot are absolutely real.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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