Jarrett Stidham Ready for the Moment as Broncos Prepare for AFC Title Clash
The stakes couldn’t be higher, but Jarrett Stidham is keeping his approach grounded as he steps into the biggest start of his NFL career. With Bo Nix sidelined due to a season-ending injury, Stidham will lead the Denver Broncos into Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots - and he’s treating it like business as usual.
“I think what I always go back to - in any game, regular season, preseason, the AFC Championship - it’s still the same game,” Stidham said this week. “Obviously, there are implications and winner advances, all that kind of stuff, but at the end of the day, it’s still football.”
That mindset speaks volumes about how Stidham has prepared all season. Even in a backup role, he’s kept the same routine, the same intensity, and the same readiness - something he learned during his time behind Russell Wilson last year. It’s a mentality that’s paying off now, as the Broncos turn to him at the most critical point of the season.
“My preparation hasn’t changed one bit,” Stidham said. “That’s just kind of how I view it.”
And while the moment is massive - a trip to the Super Bowl on the line - Stidham isn’t trying to be a hero. He’s leaning into who he is as a player, trusting the system, and the teammates around him.
“I’m not going to try to be somebody that I’m not,” he said. “I know how I can play, and I know the kind of guys I have around me and the kind of team that we have. So, we all just have to play within ourselves.”
There’s also a deeper motivation driving this Broncos team: playing for Bo Nix. The rookie quarterback was instrumental in getting Denver to this point, and his presence is still felt inside the locker room.
“My heart goes out to him and everything that he means to this team,” Stidham said. “Obviously we wouldn’t be in this position without Bo. I know all of us on offense - and I know the whole team - we want to go out there and make him proud this Sunday.”
It’s a tall task ahead, but Stidham’s calm demeanor and steady preparation could be exactly what the Broncos need to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Kelce Fired Up for Bieniemy’s Return to Chiefs
There’s a familiar face returning to Kansas City, and nobody’s more excited than Travis Kelce.
The veteran tight end lit up when talking about offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy rejoining the Chiefs, calling him not just a great coach, but one of his favorite people in football.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all-time, one of my favorite people of all time.”
Bieniemy played a key role in shaping Kelce’s career and the Chiefs’ offensive identity during their rise to the top of the AFC. And for Kelce, the reunion isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about rekindling a connection that helped fuel some of the most explosive offensive football we’ve seen in the last decade.
“I’ve had so many unbelievable, growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy,” Kelce added. “It’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”
With Bieniemy back in the fold, the Chiefs are doubling down on continuity and culture - two things that have defined their dynasty run.
Maxx Crosby Focused on Recovery, Not Raiders’ Coaching Search
While the Raiders continue their search for a new head coach, star defensive end Maxx Crosby is focused on something else entirely - getting healthy.
Crosby, who underwent a knee procedure at the end of the season, admitted he hasn’t been in recent contact with the team and is instead pouring all his energy into rehab and family time.
“I haven’t talked to them, not in the last couple weeks,” Crosby said. “I’ve just been focused on my family, my girls and getting healthy.”
That’s not to say Crosby’s taking it easy. If you know anything about his approach to the game, you know rehab isn’t just a box to check - it’s a mission.
“We’re doing everything right, checking every box,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to do every single day, one at a time.”
Crosby’s intensity is well-known around the league. He doesn’t just play hard - he lives hard, especially when it comes to his craft. That mindset is carrying over into his recovery process.
“Every time you go into rehab, it’s a different experience and a different journey,” he said. “I attack it like everything else.
Everything happens for a reason. I know I’m a little psychotic when it comes to the way I approach certain things, but that’s how you have to be if you want to be great.
I’m willing to run that race.”
For the Raiders, Crosby remains the heartbeat of their defense - and whether he’s in the facility or not, his presence looms large. Once he’s back to full strength, expect him to come out swinging, no matter who’s calling the shots on the sideline.