Kurt Warner has shared his verdict on how backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham can guide the Denver Broncos following Bo Nix’s ankle injury, saying the challenge brings immense pressure heading into the AFC Championship Game.
Kurt Warner, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback and current NFL analyst, discussed Jarrett Stidham’s unexpected promotion after Bo Nix was ruled out for the remainder of the postseason.
Nix sustained an ankle injury during Denver’s divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills, leaving Stidham to start against the New England Patriots for a trip to the Super Bowl.
Kurt Warner outlines Jarrett Stidham’s challenge under pressure
On the Rich Eisen Show, Kurt Warner said Jarrett Stidham faces a rare and demanding assignment as he steps in for Bo Nix with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
Having experienced a similar situation with the St. Louis Rams, Warner explained that this type of moment is unlike anything most backup quarterbacks ever experience.
“For Jared, in this situation with a chance to punch your ticket and start in a Super Bowl, it’s pretty incredible. I haven’t seen anything like this before.”
“My pressure was, ‘Hey, you better perform well or this may be the last opportunity you have to ever play.’ His pressure is, ‘We got all the way here, lost our starter, and now all eyes are going to be on him.’”
Warner said the weight of expectation inside Denver’s locker room makes this test even tougher. He added that if the Broncos fall short, Stidham will likely shoulder more criticism than he deserves simply because of the circumstances.
“If he doesn’t come in and play well, that’s going to be the narrative — ‘This is why they didn’t go to the Super Bowl.’”
“And not that it’s his fault, because he’s the backup and hasn’t played in a while, but that’s going to be what people talk about.”
Kurt Warner says Sean Payton will protect Jarrett Stidham with balanced plan
Kurt Warner added that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is likely to tailor his play-calling to keep Jarrett Stidham comfortable early.
He predicted a strategy built on short passes, play-action, and leaning on the Broncos’ defense to control momentum.
“It’ll be interesting to see how Sean Payton calls this game. Does he give Jared opportunities to push the ball down the field early, or manage the game with quick throws?
“You don’t want your quarterback to give this game away when you believe you have a championship defense.”
Warner said Stidham’s familiarity with the system after two seasons in Denver will help him handle the pressure.
He believes that if the quarterback stays poised and trusts his preparation, the Broncos can still reach their first Super Bowl since the 2015 campaign.
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