Peyton Manning knows what playoff pressure feels like, and as the Denver Broncos prepare for a crucial postseason showdown against the New England Patriots, the franchise icon believes hesitation should not be part of the plan.
Denver’s playoff hopes took a sudden hit after Bo Nix went down with a season-ending ankle injury, forcing head coach Sean Payton to pivot to backup Jarrett Stidham at the most critical point of the year.
Rather than retreat into a shell, Payton is expected to lean into aggression, a mindset Manning strongly supports. Speaking on Denver sports radio, the Hall of Famer encouraged the coaching staff to empty the playbook.
From creative formations to surprise calls, Manning emphasized that playoff football rewards boldness, especially when a team’s season is on the line. According to him, there is little value in saving ideas for an offseason that may arrive sooner than hoped.
Manning also believes Stidham‘s sudden promotion could work in Denver’s favor. With limited recent game film available, the Patriots face uncertainty when preparing for the Broncos’ offense.
That lack of familiarity could slow defensive adjustments and allow Denver to dictate the pace early. In a game where margins are razor-thin, unpredictability can become a powerful weapon.
The Broncos have already proven they can exceed expectations. Throughout the season, Denver has thrived in games where oddsmakers doubted them, consistently rising to the occasion when labeled underdogs.
Those wins have created a resilient locker room, one comfortable with adversity and confident in its ability to respond when things may be going against them.
Stidham steps into the spotlight
For Stidham, this moment has been years in the making. Although he has spent much of the season watching from the sidelines, his weekly preparation hasn’t changed. By approaching every game as if he were the starter, he ensured he would be ready if opportunity arrived.
That steady routine has helped him transition into the starting role without panic or hesitation.
NFL history suggests Denver’s situation is far from hopeless. Backup quarterbacks have famously risen when least expected, including Nick Foles’ remarkable postseason run with Philadelphia after Carson Wentz was injured late in the season. Those examples reinforce the idea that timing and execution are often the deciding factors.
Stidham‘s familiarity with Payton‘s offensive system may prove invaluable. After spending multiple seasons learning the scheme, along with extensive work during training camp and preseason action, he understands the nuances of the playbook.
That also means that Payton knows which concepts suit Stidham‘s strengths, allowing the offense to operate with clarity and confidence.
Ironically, this matchup carries personal significance for Stidham, who began his NFL career in New England. That only adds to his motivation.
With the support of a championship-winning coach and the encouragement of a legendary quarterback, Denver enters Sunday’s game prepared to take risks.
