Can Jarrett Stidham become the second quarterback in history to win his first playoff start? The stage is set for a potential historic moment in football. Stidham, the Broncos quarterback, faces a challenging task but also a golden opportunity. If he leads his team to victory next weekend in the AFC Championship, he'll join an elite group of quarterbacks who have achieved this rare feat.
The odds are stacked against Stidham, as he hasn't started a single game in the regular season. However, his recent performances and the circumstances surrounding his selection give him a fighting chance. Stidham's journey to this point is intriguing. He's been a backup for most of his career, with only four starts to his name. But now, he's stepping into the spotlight, replacing the injured Bo Nix.
The challenge is immense, as Stidham will face a team that drafted him in 2019 (the Patriots) or the Houston successors to the Oilers franchise, a team Frank Reich led to victory 33 years ago. Reich, a legendary quarterback, holds the record for the only win by a quarterback in his first playoff start. In 1992, he led the Bills to an epic comeback against the Oilers, erasing a 35-3 deficit in the third quarter. This remarkable feat sets a high bar for Stidham to surpass.
Despite the odds, Stidham's recent performances and the unique circumstances of his selection make this a fascinating and potentially historic moment in football. Will he rise to the occasion and etch his name in the history books? The answer lies in the upcoming AFC Championship game, where the pressure will be immense, and the stakes will be higher than ever.
