It’s Week 17 of the 2022 season. The San Francisco 49ers are 11-4 and are facing the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. For the first time in two months, quarterback Jarrett Stidham will attempt a pass. After the news that Stidham took over as a starter, the Niners went from -5 to -9.5-point favorites.
Stidham began the game 6-for-7 for 114 yards and a trio of deep throws. He led the Raiders into the Niners’ territory on every drive in the first half. He threw a beauty of a pass in the end zone to Davante Adams.
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Stidham ended up 22-for-34 for 365 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw two interceptions, but kept his team in the game long enough to force overtime.
Stidham will get another opportunity in a game that most quarterbacks dream of being in. The Denver Broncos face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. Drake Maye and the Patriots are favored, but that’s under the assumption that Stidham is a significant drop-off from starter Bo Nix.
What’s being forgotten is how often Drake Maye was under pressure last week against the Houston Texans. The Broncos’ pass rush is no slouch, and that should continue today. Maye will make his plays. He always does. But that could also lead to sacks and turnovers, as it did last week.
So, will Stidham be worse than C.J. Stroud? That’s the question we should be asking. That answer is no. Plus, it’s Sean Payton, who will undoubtedly have tricks up his sleeve. Look for R.J. Harvey to have a big day, Stidham to do enough to keep his team in the game, and the better team to prevail at home in a relatively high-scoring game.
Broncos 27-20.
About the Author: Insidethe49
