Nick Foles playfully trolled the New England Patriots while offering support to the Denver Broncos ahead of backup QB Jarrett Stidham's upcoming start. Stidham replaces Bo Nix, who suffered an ankle injury, and Foles reminded fans of the Patriots' struggles against backup quarterbacks in key games. Foles notably led the Philadelphia Eagles to victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII after stepping in as a backup. While both have faced the Patriots as underdogs, Stidham's situation differs significantly, particularly with Stidham having less game experience before his start.

By the Numbers
  • Nick Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns in Super Bowl LII.
  • Stidham hasn’t thrown a pass in a non-exhibition game in over 2 years, making this his first extended playtime this season.
Yes, But

While Foles' playoff success serves as motivation for Stidham, his lack of recent game experience and the absence of key coaching decisions, like Belichick's benching of Malcolm Butler, present distinctive challenges for Stidham against the Patriots.

State of Play
  • Stidham will take the field at Empower Field at Mile High, which plays to the Broncos' advantage.
  • Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in Stidham's mental aptitude and accuracy.
What's Next

Should Stidham perform well, he could solidify his role with the Broncos and establish a path for future success, potentially following in the footsteps of Foles and Jeff Hostetler.

Bottom Line

Stidham's performance against the Patriots could reshape his career, illustrating that backup quarterbacks can rise to the occasion and make impactful plays in high-pressure situations.