The Denver Broncos made it to the AFC Championship game, but at the massive cost of Bo Nix. Their starting quarterback is done for the year with an ankle injury.
Taking his place is backup QB Jarrett Stidham, who will now go up against the New England Patriots for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. While it's not ideal, don't count the Broncos out just yet.
Seth Walder of ESPN highlighted how the Broncos can beat the Patriots even with Stidham at quarterback. It's a surprisingly simple path, and it's all thanks to the incredible offensive line and defense in Denver.
How Broncos' Jarrett Stidham can beat Patriots
"But there's always a chance, and for the Broncos, it's based on their defense countering what the Patriots do best," Walder writes. "Denver's defense will have to deliver an AFC Championship Game win and a trip to the Super Bowl. But it can."
The Broncos' defense, led by Patrick Surtain II, can shut down opposing offenses. While they struggled against the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos' defense could shut down New England's offense in the Championship game.
One of the main areas of the game that will greatly benefit the Broncos is their pass rush. Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and the Denver pass rush should be able to get past the Patriots' offensive line.
More: Bo Nix injury update: Broncos QB suffers season-ending ankle fracture in win over Bills
As seen by the Houston Texans in the Divisional round, the Patriots' offense can struggle. If it weren't for C.J. Stroud having one of the worst games by a quarterback in the playoffs, the Texans might've won.
That loss by the Texans highlighted exactly what Stidham needs to do: not turn the ball over. If Stidham can hold onto the ball and allow the stout offensive line in Denver to block in the pass and run game, then the Broncos can beat the Patriots.
While losing Nix is a massive, massive loss, the Broncos have the means to field a competitive team around Stidham.
Their defense is incredible, the offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and if the running game can work well against the Patriots, and Stidham can take care of the ball, a win over the Patriots isn't that far-fetched.
More Broncos news:
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- Who is Jarrett Stidham? Broncos backup QB who will take over for Bo Nix
- Can Broncos sign a free-agent quarterback to replace injured Bo Nix?
- Broncos' Jarrett Stidham set for football history not done in NFL since Cowboys' Roger Staubach in 1972
- Broncos' Sean Payton shares what Bo Nix said about season-ending ankle injury
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