The Buffalo Bills’ playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Broncos last week stirred up plenty of emotion across the NFL landscape. Josh Allen’s early postseason departure sparked a wave of sympathy from fans and analysts alike - but not everyone was handing out tissues.
Former Broncos safety and Super Bowl 50 champ T.J. Ward had a very different take.
He took to social media to question the outpouring of support for Allen, writing, “Everyone feeling so bad for Josh Allen, why? Lmao.
I’m baffled. Bruh went out there and gave the cookies up multiple times and blew prime opportunities.
Where is all this sorrow coming from? 😂😂😂 .
Feel bad for Bo. He out dueled Allen and can’t play next week.
That’s heartbreak.”
Ward’s not wrong about Bo Nix. The rookie quarterback delivered a poised, efficient performance to help Denver punch its ticket to the AFC Championship - only to suffer a season-ending ankle injury in the process.
It’s a brutal twist for a player who had just started to hit his stride on the biggest stage. Now, the Broncos turn to Jarrett Stidham, who’ll get the nod against the New England Patriots with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
Ward, for one, isn’t sweating it.
Appearing on Up & Adams with Kay Adams earlier this week, Ward made it clear he’s “very confident” in Stidham’s ability to lead this team. And he’s not just throwing out blind optimism - he pointed to history for backup QBs stepping into the spotlight.
Nick Foles, anyone? The Eagles’ Super Bowl LII hero is proof that with the right pieces in place, a backup can become a legend.
Ward also emphasized what might be the Broncos’ biggest asset heading into Sunday: their defense. This Denver unit has been punishing opponents all year, and with the way they’re flying to the ball and creating turnovers, they give Stidham a real chance to manage the game and let the defense do the heavy lifting.
“I think we can get to the Super Bowl and win it, with Stidham,” Ward said.
It’s a bold prediction - but not an outrageous one. This Denver team has already proven it can weather adversity. If Stidham can protect the football and lean on that defense, the Broncos might just keep this improbable run going.
And if they do? That’s the kind of story the NFL lives for.