The New England Patriots are one win away from being back in the Super Bowl, but Jarett Stidham stands in their way.
Stidham, not Bo Nix, stands in the way of the Patriots reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season. Stidham, a former Patriots draft pick, has not thrown a pass in-game all season, but one Patriots receiver is not doubting him.
The Patriots signed Trent Sherfield Sr. to their practice squad on Jan. 13. Sherfield has played in eight seasons and spent 10 games with the Denver Broncos this season. He knows Stidham well and caught a touchdown from him in the preseason.
“Yeah, me and Jarrett were really cool, man. Jarrett’s a really good guy,” Sherfield told MassLive’s Mark Daniels on Thursday. “We literally spent all training camp (together). He was mainly throwing to me, and I would go with him in this group and played in the preseason together. Really great quarterback, in my opinion. I think that he’s a starter in this league, 1,000%. A guy that’s always prepared and was coming in the building early. I know he’ll be ready. He’ll be ready for the opportunity. I know one thing for sure about Sean (Payton), he’s gonna have him ready.”
Stidham’s sentiment echoes what Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been saying all week. Stidham is capable of winning this game for the Broncos, even if they are being counted out.
The Patriots reportedly tried signing Stidham in the offseason to back up Drake Maye. During his time with the Patriots, Stidham played in eight games, throwing for 270 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Patriots are not underestimating Stidham before the biggest game of his career. Sherfield knows better than anyone what he is capable of, and if the Patriots are not careful, Stidham could send them home.
