Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold hosted another episode of their Closed On Sundays Podcast this week and welcomed linebacker Nik Bonitto as a guest. Surtain II and Bonitto, two of the Broncos’ six Pro Bowl selections, discussed Jarrett Stidham. They focused on his preparation to start at quarterback in the AFC Championship.
Surtain II assures Stidham has a lot of confidence
Surtain II explains that Stidham remains confident regardless of the circumstances. He kept the same mindset during two seasons as Bo Nix’s backup.
“Stiddy honestly bro he [has] a lot of confidence to him, obviously before when [Nix] got hurt, he was on scout team against the first team defense and he [made] some crazy throws during practice, I think the dude has all the confidence and swagger in the world, to carry this team,” Surtain said on the Closed On Sundays Podcast
The new starter challenges the Broncos’ defense in practice
Bonitto praises Stidham for consistently making spectacular plays in practice. He does so against one of the league’s top-five defenses.
“Scout team, we’ll be going against that boy and [he’s] throwing no look passes and after [he does that] he [starts] talking to the defense and stuff, [making] no look passes fam like looking off linebackers and just throwing it over the middle doing whatever,” Bonitto said on the Closed On Sundays Podcast.
Bonitto feels Stidham’s experiences in the NFL have him ready for the moment
The New England Patriots drafted Stidham 133rd overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He later played for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2022 season. Stidham played college football at Baylor and Auburn. He later became teammates with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in New England. Bonitto believes Stidham applies lessons from that experience to succeed.
“I feel just being in that position learning from one of the best and being in a great organization like that, I feel like you can learn and soak in so much knowledge and just being able to learn from other people in the building,” Bonitto said.
The Broncos employ NFL coaching legend Sean Payton. Bonitto believes Stidham uses his relationships with Payton, his teammates, and the organization to help lead the team against the Patriots on Sunday.
“Obviously, even in his time here being under coach Payton and stuff, I feel like he has so much experience, and just being around so many great people and great players is only going to help him and I know he’s ready for the moment, I mean he’s shown it in times he’s had to step up,” Bonitto said.
Broncos players and fans look forward to watching Stidham play on Sunday. The team pushes deeper into its postseason run.
Main Image: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images