Broncos' Sean Payton Talks Jarrett Stidham's Play Style After Bo Nix Injury, 'He's Going to Rip It'

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton doesn't seem to be worried about backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham potentially taking a conservative approach as he replaces Bo Nix in the AFC Championship Game.

"He's going to rip it," Payton said Wednesday, per DNVR's Zac Stevens.

"That's his personality," he added.

Payton previously confirmed that Nix suffered a season-ending fractured bone in his right ankle during overtime of Denver's 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs.

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With Nix starting all 17 regular-season games, Stidham will make his first appearance of the year.

He hasn't thrown a pass in the regular season since 2023, compiling four career starts. Stidham has completed 59.4 percent of his throws for 1,422 yards and eight touchdowns compared to eight interceptions in the NFL.

A encouraging sign for the Broncos is his 2025 preseason performance, as he shined in two appearances.

Stidham completed 78.9 percent of his passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns without getting picked off. He also wasn't shy about taking shots down the field, averaging 9.9 yards per attempt.

The 29-year-old has a difficult task ahead of him, as the Broncos are preparing to face a New England Patriots squad that owned the NFL's No. 4 scoring defense in the regular season by giving up a mere 18.8 points per game.

New England has also allowed just 19 combined points in two playoff contests.

Kickoff between the Broncos and Patriots is on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.