The New England Patriots are gearing up for the biggest game in the post-Tom Brady era of their franchise against the Houston Texans. Now that the first AFC Divisional game has finished and the Denver Broncos have punched their ticket to the AFC Championship, New England knows what’s on the line against Houston on Sunday.
But the Denver that everyone has been so fearful of this season will be without it’s leader next weekend. Bo Nix broke his ankle on the penultimate play of Saturday’s Divisional game against the Buffalo Bills, meaning the Broncos starting quarterback in the AFC Championship will be none other than former Patriots’ backup Jarrett Stidham.
This makes the Pats-Texans Divisional game an absolutely massive showdown, as the Broncos will be severely overmatched at the QB position no matter who makes it out of New England tomorrow.
Stidham to Start AFC Championship For Broncos
Jarrett Stidham spent two seasons with the New England Patriots in 2019 and 2020. If you’ll look back a little bit, you may remember that those were two polar opposite seasons for the Pats. Stidham backed up Tom Brady in his final season in New England in 2019, only attempting four passes.
He actually had the fourth most passing yards on that team; Brady obviously had over 4,000, but Stidham was also out-gained by Julian Edelman, who threw for 47 yards, and James White threw for 35. Stidham threw for just 13 yards.
Then, Stidham was the backup for now-enemy Cam Newton in the 2020 season. He didn’t start any games for the Pats that season, but he did appear in five games and complete 22 of his 44 pass attempts for 256 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Stidham then spent one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, and has now been part of the Broncos QB room for the last three seasons. He’s only started four games in his career and is 1-3 as a starter.
Patriots Could Be Set Up Well If They Can Beat Houston
Nobody, and I mean nobody, is or should be looking past the Houston Texans as a Patriots fan. They have arguably the best defense in the league and Drake Maye will have his plate full all day with their potent pass rush, and that’s not even to mention their solid offense with C.J. Stroud.
But, if New England can defeat the Texans on Sunday, they’ll be set up for a reunion with Stidham at Mile High stadium in Denver. Once again, the Broncos have an incredible defense, but Stidham has effectively zero experience, meaning the Pats defense shouldn’t have any trouble shutting him down.
The path is clearing up for the Patriots. Now it’s time to get to work and earn the chance to be reunited with Stidham for a showdown in the AFC Championship.
Former Patriots’ QB Thrust Into Starting Role With Denver For AFC Championship