Full Breakdown
Maxx Crosby's Endorsement of Jarrett Stidham Ahead of AFC Championship
1/21/2026, 12:27:33 PM
Context of the AFC Championship Game
As the Denver Broncos prepare to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, the spotlight is on quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has transitioned from backup to starter. Stidham's journey has garnered attention, particularly from his former teammate, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who has publicly endorsed him.
Maxx Crosby's Insights on Jarrett Stidham
Maxx Crosby, who played alongside Stidham during the latter's tenure with the Raiders, has expressed confidence in Stidham's abilities. Crosby highlighted Stidham's impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, where he threw for over 340 yards and multiple touchdowns against one of the league's top defenses. Crosby stated, "He's a great friend of mine, and he is a competitive individual... He was out there slinging the ball, confident, breaking tackles."
Crosby noted that Stidham earned his respect during practice sessions, where he frequently faced off against him as a scout team quarterback. "The one thing I respected most about him is that he didn't back down... I know I can go in the foxhole with him," Crosby remarked, emphasizing Stidham's toughness and competitive spirit.
Stidham's Performance and Future Outlook
Stidham's performance as a starter for the Broncos has been mixed. In his final two games of the 2023 season, he passed for 496 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Broncos to a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers but losing to the Raiders. Despite not having standout statistics, Stidham's leadership and preparation have positioned him as a viable starter under head coach Sean Payton.
Crosby believes that Stidham's success hinges on his ability to play freely and confidently. He advised Stidham to "let it rip" rather than play conservatively. Crosby remarked, "Denver did a great job by bringing him in... He's gonna go out there and play quarterback and try to help them win the game."
The Importance of Stidham's Role
As the Broncos face the Patriots, Stidham's performance will be critical. The Broncos boast a strong defense and a capable offensive line, which Crosby believes will support Stidham's efforts. He stated, "They already have a top defense. They already have a good running game. They got a good O-line." The pressure is on Stidham to leverage these assets and deliver a strong performance against his former team.
Conclusion: Expectations for Stidham
With the AFC Championship on the line, Stidham's ability to execute under pressure will be pivotal. Crosby's endorsement serves as a testament to Stidham's potential, and the Broncos are hopeful that he can rise to the occasion. As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Stidham to see if he can fulfill the expectations set by his former teammate and lead the Broncos to victory.
