Jarrett Stidham and Denver Broncos Maintain "Business as Usual" Approach Ahead of AFC Championship
The lights of the postseason are often enough to make even the most seasoned veterans blink, but for the Denver Broncos, the message heading into the AFC Championship Game is clear: stay the course. As the team prepares for a high-stakes showdown with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, all eyes are on Jarrett Stidham. The quarterback is set to make his first start in two years, stepping into one of the most pressurized environments in professional sports. Despite the gravity of the situation, Stidham and the Broncos are intentionally keeping things low-key, opting for a "business as usual" approach to their preparation.
A High-Stakes Opportunity for Jarrett Stidham
Stepping into the starting role for the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship Game is a narrative few could have predicted at the start of the season. For Jarrett Stidham, this isn't just another game; it is his first start in two years. The layoff is significant, especially considering the caliber of competition he will face this Sunday. However, Stidham’s demeanor throughout the week has suggested a player who is ready for the moment, even if his recent game experience is limited.
The decision to lean on Stidham comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. While the outside noise regarding his lack of recent game action continues to grow, the internal vibe at the Broncos' facility is one of quiet confidence. Stidham has been a consummate professional during his time in Denver, and the team has noted his consistency as a primary reason why the transition into the starting lineup has felt seamless rather than disruptive.
Sticking to the Routine in Denver
In the NFL playoffs, teams often feel the urge to overhaul their schedules, add extra meetings, or change their practice habits to account for the increased pressure of the postseason. The Broncos are doing the exact opposite. The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of maintaining the team's usual routines to keep players grounded. From the timing of their morning walk-throughs to the structure of their film sessions, the goal is to provide a sense of normalcy for Jarrett Stidham and the rest of the roster.
By sticking to the team’s usual routines, the Broncos are attempting to mitigate the adrenaline and anxiety that naturally accompany a conference championship. For a quarterback like Stidham, who is re-entering the starting lineup after a long hiatus, this structure is vital. It allows him to focus on the playbook and his reads rather than the spectacle surrounding the game. The focus remains on the work at hand rather than the magnitude of the stage.
The Broncos' Confidence in the Process
The "business as usual" mantra isn't just about the schedule; it’s about the mindset. The Denver Broncos have built a culture this season based on incremental improvement and preparation. To change that now would be to admit that the moment is bigger than the team. By treating the AFC Championship Game like any other week of the season, the organization is signaling to the players—and specifically to Jarrett Stidham—that they are already prepared for what is to come.
- Consistency: Maintaining the same meeting times and practice intensity as the regular season.
- Focus: Prioritizing internal execution and communication over external media distractions.
- Trust: Demonstrating full faith in Stidham’s ability to execute the game plan despite his time away from the field.
This approach also helps the offensive line and receiving corps. When the quarterback is calm and the routine is familiar, the entire unit can play faster and with more physical aggression. The Broncos aren't looking for Stidham to be a hero; they are looking for him to be the efficient distributor and leader the team needs to secure a victory.
Preparing for the AFC Championship Spotlight
As Sunday approaches, the narrative will inevitably focus on Stidham’s two-year gap between starts. It is a rare occurrence for a quarterback to make his return in a game of this magnitude. Yet, the Denver Broncos seem unfazed. The preparation is done, the game plan is installed, and the routine has been followed to the letter.
Whether this disciplined approach will translate to a victory remains to be seen, but it has certainly succeeded in keeping the locker room focused. For Jarrett Stidham, Sunday represents a chance to prove his value on the biggest stage in the AFC. For the Broncos, it’s an opportunity to show that their process can withstand the highest level of scrutiny. In the end, the team believes that by not changing who they are, they give themselves the best chance to reach the Super Bowl.
