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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham was the team’s only chance to make it to the Super Bowl on Sunday against the New England Patriots, and he showed he wasn’t going to back down from the challenge.
The journeyman quarterback had a dud of a first drive. But on the other, he really set the stage for what the Patriots have to deal with.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) tackles the New England Patriots during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Stidham and the Broncos faced a third down again early in the game. But Stidham found wide receiver Marvin Mims, who flew past Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Stidham threw a perfect pass to the wide receiver and got Denver into the red zone.
The 52-yard play set up the Broncos’ score two plays later. Stidham found Courtland Sutton for a 6-yard touchdown pass to give the Broncos the lead early in the game.
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The drive impressed NFL fans following the game on social media.
But the honeymoon would only last a few more minutes before a crucial mistake led to a Patriots score. With 2:58 left in the first half, Stidham’s rushed throw to get the ball out of his hands instead of taking a sack was ruled a reverse pass.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham is tackled by New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The Patriots recovered the ball and two plays later, Drake Maye ran the ball into the end zone from 6 yards out to help tie the game with just over two minutes to play.
He guided the Broncos down the field before halftime, but Will Lutz missed a clear goal with 20 seconds left.
Denver and New England were tied 7-7.
Stidham was 12-of-21 with 123 passing yards, one touchdown pass and three sacks.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before the AFC Championship NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Stidham made his first start of the 2025 season and the first start of his career in the playoffs. He was a fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2019 and spent one season as Tom Brady’s backup before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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He was with the Patriots until the 2022 season, when the Patriots traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders. He then signed with the Broncos in 2023.
