Sun Jan 25 15:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Stidham Takes Over as Broncos’ Starting Quarterback After Nix Injury

The Story:
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle during an overtime playoff victory against the Buffalo Bills, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. As a result, Jarrett Stidham, the Broncos’ backup quarterback, has been thrust into the starting role, with only a week to prepare for the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots. The situation draws parallels to Jeff Hostetler’s unexpected rise to Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the New York Giants in 1990 after Phil Simms was injured.

Key Points:

  • Bo Nix, the Broncos’ starting quarterback, fractured his ankle, ending his season.
  • Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback for the Broncos in the AFC championship game against the Patriots.
  • Jeff Hostetler, former Giants quarterback, relates to Stidham’s position, having stepped in for an injured Phil Simms in 1990 and led the team to a Super Bowl victory.
  • Stidham has spent seven years in the NFL, primarily as a backup, starting just four games.
  • Broncos coach Sean Payton immediately named Stidham the starter after Nix’s injury and has been developing a game plan for him.
  • Bill Parcells, Payton’s mentor, coached Hostetler during his Super Bowl run.

Key Takeaways:

  • Backup quarterbacks must be prepared to step into starting roles at any moment, especially during critical playoff runs.
  • The mental fortitude required for a backup quarterback is immense, as they are often judged on limited opportunities and repetitions.
  • Coaching mentorships can influence strategic decisions, as seen in Sean Payton’s consultation with Bill Parcells regarding the backup quarterback situation.
  • Unexpected events, such as injuries, can drastically alter the trajectory of a team’s season.

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