Why Jarrett Stidham Can Still Take the Broncos to the Super Bowl

Jan 21, 2026

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel joins the conversation, bringing insights on Jarrett Stidham's potential as a backup leading the Broncos. He discusses the intricacies of timing and cadence in Sean Payton's offense and what adjustments may be necessary in playoff scenarios. The episode also dives into the coaching fallout in Buffalo, analyzing Terry Pegula's comments and future implications for Josh Allen. Daniel dissects Drake Maye's performance against pressure, while also highlighting Matthew Stafford's elite technique in high-stakes moments.

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ANECDOTE

Backup QB Short-Week Reality

Chase Daniel recounts being thrust into a short-week start and relying on instincts over installs.
He compares that rush to Jarrett Stidham suddenly stepping into the Broncos' AFC title-game preparation.

ADVICE

Prioritize Cadence And Timing

Prepare for cadence and timing disruptions when switching quarterbacks late in a season.
Practice silent cadence or simplified calls to limit mistiming and snap issues in a backup's first starts.

INSIGHT

Maye Excels Against Blitzes

Drake Maye shows growth handling cover-zero and blitz looks by manipulating protection and pinpointing throws.
His film against pressure suggests scheme and protection will decide how well he performs vs. Denver.

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Championship Sunday is almost here — but can the Broncos really survive a playoff run with a backup quarterback? What does Jarrett Stidham change (or limit) in Sean Payton’s offense? Plus, what’s the key matchup in Drake Maye vs. Denver’s pressure looks, and can Matthew Stafford keep playing mistake-free football against a Seahawks defense built to hunt turnovers and win the margins? Meanwhile, why did the Bills move on from Sean McDermott after another postseason heartbreak, and what does that mean for Josh Allen and Buffalo’s future?

James Palmer welcomes former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and The Athletic’s senior NFL insider Dianna Russini as Buffalo’s coaching reset becomes the league’s biggest talking point. The conversation starts with the Bills’ fallout — including the tone of Terry Pegula’s press conference, what it signaled about where the organization believes it fell short, and how messy (or necessary) this change could be as the coaching carousel continues to spin.

Then it’s time for a film session. Daniel breaks down what Denver’s offense can look like with Jarrett Stidham stepping in, why timing and cadence matter more than ever in a playoff environment, and how Sean Payton’s trust in Stidham goes back to his first days in Denver. Chase turns on the tape of Drake Maye against one of the NFL’s most aggressive pressure teams — and the big chess match of whether Denver sticks with its identity or adjusts for this moment.

On the NFC side, we dive into the Rams-Seahawks matchup through Matthew Stafford’s film: Why he’s been so efficient against Seattle, what protection and pocket comfort mean for this offense, and what the Seahawks must do to speed him up.

Before we wrap, Chase puts on his evaluator hat for a college-to-pros conversation on Fernando Mendoza — why scouts obsess over “eyes,” processing, and pocket feel, and how the Heisman winner fits into what Tom Brady and the Raiders might be looking for at the top of the draft.

Stay with Scoop City for the latest NFL coaching news, playoff breakdowns, and quarterback film rooms all postseason. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your take in the comments.

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