Nick Foles Weighs in on Broncos’ Situation Ahead of AFC Championship

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is stepping in to offer some encouragement to the New England Patriots as they gear up for their AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, who will be relying on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

Foles, known for leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win over the Patriots in 2017, reached out with a supportive message to Broncos fans dealing with the recent injury to Bo Nix, which occurred during a critical moment in their game against the Buffalo Bills.

“Just a note to the Broncos and their fans: I understand it’s been a tough 24 hours. My thoughts are with Bo and the team, and I’m sending prayers for a speedy recovery,” Foles shared on X.

He also pointed out, perhaps a bit optimistically, that the Patriots usually have a tougher time against backup quarterbacks in high-stakes games.

In that Super Bowl win—a game many called improbable—Foles completed 28 of 43 passing attempts for 373 yards and threw three touchdowns. It was certainly a memorable performance, particularly since Tom Brady had a record-setting game with 505 yards and three touchdown passes but fell short.

Looking ahead, Stidham will make his first playoff start in the upcoming matchup against the Patriots, which adds an intriguing twist to the storyline. Broncos coach Sean Payton has faith in Stidham, explaining that his readiness comes from a comprehensive evaluation during his time in New Orleans. “We liked him coming out of college,” Payton said. “I’ve seen him day in and day out, and I believe he’s prepared for this moment.” It’s interesting—sometimes you think you know how a player will perform, but then, like life, things don’t always follow the expected path.

As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike will be curious to see how Stidham’s performances stack up against Foles’ remarkable legacy.