The Denver Broncos will face the New England Patriots in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The odds are stacked against them.
But backup QBs have found postseason success against the Patriots — something Philadelphia Eagles legend Nick Foles reminded everyone of on Sunday night.
On Saturday night, Denver beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional round in overtime. But on one of the final plays of the game, starter Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle. That will thrust Stidham, who hasn’t started a game until 2023, into the limelight against New England.
Stidham will be making just his fifth NFL start since being drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft and his first start since 2023.
But Foles tried to put a spin on what is a difficult situation for Denver.
“Note for the Broncos and their fans: I know it has been an emotional 24 hours,” Foles said in a post on X. “I feel for Bo and the team, and I’m sending prayers for a strong recovery.
“A positive note going into the game versus the Patriots is that they struggle against backup QBs in championship-type games.”
Of course, Foles was referring to his memorable Super Bowl LII performance. Foles led the Eagles to a 41-33 win over Tom Brady and New England, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns and lifting the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
Foles, after taking over for an injured Carson Wentz, went on a legendary playoff run. He threw for 971 yards and six touchdowns in playoff wins over the Falcons, Vikings and Patriots.
Stidham will be looking to follow in Foles’ footsteps, beat the Patriots and clinch the Broncos’ first Super Bowl appearance since 2015.