For most, when it was revealed by Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton that Bo Nix was done for the year after breaking a bone in his foot against the Buffalo Bills, Denver’s Super Bowl hopes went with him.
Granted, there is merit to that thought, given how stout the New England Patriots‘ defense is.
But all is not lost. There is hope.
However, you have to look really hard to find it.
Which is what Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano has done.
“There’s too much focus on Bo Nix not being available due to injury and not enough attention on the advantages that could come from having a stout defense and getting to call Mile High Stadium home,” Manzano wrote.
“Those two reasons are why I’m confident the Broncos will hang with the Patriots, but Stidham is also no slouch. Let’s not be so quick to punch the Patriots’ ticket to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.”
More: Bo Nix injury update: Broncos QB suffers season-ending ankle fracture in win over Bills
Can Stidham cause Patriots boil over?
Of course he can, but will he? I have my doubts.
But as Manzano pointed out, having one of the best defenses in your back pocket, plus playing at home, this will be a game that Stidham won’t have to hang 30 points to win.
Just 17 might be enough to do it. And Stidham can do that, right?
With J.K. Dobbins back at practice, albeit in a limited capacity, leaning on the run game could be the avenue Payton goes down.
Are the Broncos a chance of an upset? Absolutely.
