The New England Patriots are one win away from returning to the Super Bowl, and their path to the big game seemingly opened up when it was announced that Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix would not play in this game after he suffered a fracture in his ankle. As a result, that means old friend Jarrett Stidham, who initially began his career with New England, will draw the start for Denver in place of Nix.
There’s been a lot of chatter surrounding Stidham, who has not started a game in the NFL in over two seasons, ahead of this contest. With so much on the line, though, the Patriots cannot afford to take Stidham lightly, which was exactly the message that the team’s defensive playcaller, Zak Kuhr, made sure to send to his unit.
Zak Kuhr, Patriots Not Taking Jarrett Stidham Lightly
Speaking of guys who are being thrust into roles they weren’t expected to have to take on, Kuhr has found himself in a similar position to Stidham. With defensive coordinator Terrell Williams missing all but one game this season in order to undergo treatment for prostate cancer, that forced Kuhr, who is only in his first season as the team’s inside linebackers coach, to become the de facto defensive coordinator in Williams’ absence.
Kuhr has done an excellent job this season, and it’s telling that he’s gotten his group to put together its two best performances in the playoffs. Now, though, there’s an element of the unknown that comes with playing against Stidham. While he began his career in New England, no one really knows what Denver’s offense is going to look like with him under center.
Sure, Stidham isn’t the Broncos’ preferred choice to start this game, but they can still win with him under center. Perhaps the team that is most aware of that is the Patriots, considering they were the ones who initially drafted him back in 2019. As a result, Kuhr made it very clear that the Pats need to be prepared for what Stidham brings to the table heading into this matchup.
“He’s very capable of being a starting quarterback. He could be a starter for a number of teams,” Kuhr said of Stidham. “Very talented, athletic, smart. He can run better than what most people think. Strong arm, very accurate when you watch his film.”
Patriots Looking to Punch Ticket to Super Bowl LX
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots
Considering how well Kuhr got his defense to play against both the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans, it’s fair to assume that Stidham could be in for a tough day against the Patriots. Denver has a strong defense itself, though, and with one of the best offensive lines in the league protecting Stidham, that could open things up for him under center.
Even without Nix, this is going to be a battle between two teams that are highly motivated to book their spot in Super Bowl LX. The Pats are rightfully favored to win this game, but that won’t mean anything once things get underway. Kickoff for this big matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
Patriots Coach Issues Warning on ‘Athletic’ Ex-QB Jarrett Stidham Ahead of Broncos Game