Sean Payton gives QB endorsement: ‘I’m not worried about Stiddy in this game’

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has answered a ton of questions about QB Jarrett Stidham over the last six days.

Ever since he broke the news after the Broncos beat the Bills that Bo Nix was done for the year with a fractured ankle, Payton has been peppered with Stidham questions.

It makes sense in a near unprecedented situation, the backup QB having to start the AFC Title Game.

But Sean Payton gave perhaps his best answer about Stidham on Friday after the Broncos wrapped up prep for the showdown on Sunday with the New England Patriots.

Payton was asked about any worries when it comes to Stidham not having played a regular season game in two years.

“The team being calloused is what’s most important. Look, he’s practicing, repping. When I say calloused though, battled tested,” Payton said.

The Broncos are indeed battle tested. They went 14-3 in the regular season to earn the No. 1 seed and won a ton of close games.

However, even though Stidham was on the bench for all those, Sean Payton says he’s the least of his worries.

“Listen, and I say this respectfully, and I told the team this, I said I’m not worried about Stiddy in this game. I’m worried about everyone else and how we play. And that really is the truth,” Payton said.

That’s quite the endorsement from Payton. Not only will it relax the nerves of Broncos Country, but the players as well. He believes in Stidham, so why shouldn’t everyone else?

It’ll be fascinating to see how it all plays out.

Either Stidham becomes a hero in Denver, leading the Broncos to the Super Bowl, or a promising season ends a couple steps short of the ultimate goal.

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