Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Praises Jarrett Stidham Ahead Of AFC Championship Game

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel believes the Denver Broncos are still in a good spot with quarterback Jarrett Stidham under center.

Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle, which ended his season, and Stidham was named the starter for the AFC Championship Game. Although Stidham hasn’t attempted a pass in the regular season since 2023, Vrabel believes he’s still a solid NFL quarterback.

Vrabel believes the Patriots need to be on their A-game even with Stidham under center.

“He’s got the snaps that he has, the 400 or so snaps that are in regular-season action,” Vrabel said on Wednesday. “And then they have a lot of snaps on what they want to do. So, we’ll have to be prepared for the plan and the things that they’ve shown.

“I’m sure there’ll be some things that they haven’t shown. He’s more than capable to go out there and operate. It’s why he’s a backup, and one that was coveted around the league.”

The former Patriots quarterback has been one of the most highly sought-after backup quarterbacks in the league. He’s been sought-after enough that Denver had to give Stidham a two-year, $12 million extension, with $7 million guaranteed this offseason.

Stidham is 117-of-197 for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his NFL career.

Although Vrabel believes Stidham is a solid quarterback, the oddsmakers have New England as a 4.5-point road favorite. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.