ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky provides some hope for Broncos fans, mystery of backup QB

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has sky-rocketed in popularity as an NFL analyst over the last several years.

And “Stokley and Evans with Mark Schlereth” on 104.3 The Fan are fortunate to have him on their program every week.

While Orlovsky is always appointment listening, he said a couple of things on Wednesday morning that should give Broncos fans hope ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

Denver will have to roll with backup QB Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix fractured his ankle in a thrilling OT win over the Buffalo Bills. Orlovsky pointed out the level of mystery that comes with that for the New England defense.

“Defensive guys says this all the time, sometimes it’s harder for them to play against a backup quarterback because they know less,” Dan Orlovsky said. “They know less about the coach’s flow play-calling wise. They know less about the tendency of the quarterback. They don’t know what the quarterback is good or necessarily bad at. So, I do think it’s not out of the realm that Denver can find a way to win.”

Stidham is 1-3 in four career NFL starts, so there’s not a lot of film on him. Plus, while the Patriots have topped Los Angeles and Houston so far in this postseason, it hasn’t exactly been aesthetically pleasing.

“New England has not been world-beaters these playoffs on offense. They were okay against the Chargers, made a play or two late. They were good against the Texans, but made a play or two late. And I honestly believe… bad quarterback play for Houston wins that game,” Dan Orlovsky said.

Orlovsky is saying if Texans QB C.J. Stroud had just been bad, rather than perhaps atrocious, Houston could’ve won. He threw four interceptions and completed only 20 of 47 passes in the 28-16 defeat. Stidham certainly should be better than that.

You can see the full interview with Dan Orlovsky and the guys below.

Dan Orlovsky, our ESPN NFL Analyst, joined Stoke, Stink and Mike to address his public criticism of the officiating against the Bills and does he believe the Broncos can reach the Super Bowl with Jarrett Stidham#BroncosCountry@bstokley14 | @markschlereth | @MikeEvans1043 pic.twitter.com/e8Hwfw5SCo

— Denver Sports 104.3 (@DenSports1043) January 21, 2026

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