GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – Broncos fans are celebrating a playoff win while grappling with concern after quarterback Bo Nix went down with a season-ending injury. <\/p>\n
As Denver heads into the AFC Championship with a backup quarterback, fans say their confidence and nerves are on full display. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was like getting a Christmas gift and then getting it taken away,\u201d said Brad Hibberd, a fan in Grand Junction. \u201cOf course I\u2019m hopeful about Stidham being the quarterback, but I\u2019m a little pessimistic that he\u2019s got the experience to pull it off.\u201d <\/p>\n
With Jarrett Stidham expected to step in, trust in the coaching staff is playing a big role in keeping some people\u2019s hope alive. <\/p>\n
\u201cWith Sean Payton and his first transaction as a coach for the Denver Broncos was to bring Jarrett Stiddy in. So, obviously, that\u2019s a guy that knows the system a lot and a guy he really has faith in. So, if he\u2019s got faith in him, I\u2019m going to put my faith in him too,\u201d said Dylan Kerr, another fan in Grand Junction. <\/p>\n
Despite the setback, many fans say they\u2019re still buying into this team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a championship-ready team. You know, I think the offense is going to be hurting a little bit, but the defense, I\u2019m hoping the defense will be able to keep it up for us,\u201d said Conner Nuanes. <\/p>\n
No matter who\u2019s under center, fans say their game day traditions aren\u2019t changing. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll probably be about 40 dudes crammed into my room watching it as we did for the divisional round,\u201d said Kerr. \u201cLet\u2019s go Broncos! Let\u2019s ride!\u201d <\/p>\n
Fans say whether it\u2019s optimism or nerves; they\u2019ll be watching together, hoping the Broncos can keep the ride going. <\/p>\n
Denver Broncos will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship on Sunday (1\/25) at 1pm (MT). <\/p>\n
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