Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB

In the NFL, the relationship between an offensive tackle and a quarterback is one of the most critical on the field—linemen protect the QB’s blind side, read their signals, and develop an unspoken trust that can make or break an offense. For Denver Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey, that trust has translated into vocal public support for the team’s current quarterback, Jarrett Stidham. McGlinchey, a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman who signed a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Broncos in 2023, has repeatedly emphasized his confidence in Stidham—both in post-practice interviews and team meetings—even as the Broncos’ offense has faced criticism for inconsistent play. His belief isn’t just lip service; it’s rooted in daily practice reps, late-night film sessions, and firsthand observations of Stidham’s work ethic and resilience. For the Broncos, McGlinchey’s endorsement carries weight: as a veteran lineman who has protected quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo (with the San Francisco 49ers), he knows what it takes for a signal-caller to succeed in the NFL. Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB isn’t just a story about support—it’s about how a key teammate’s faith can stabilize an offense and boost a quarterback’s confidence when it matters most.

Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB gains depth by examining the specific reasons behind McGlinchey’s confidence—starting with Stidham’s performance in practice and his ability to adapt to the Broncos’ offense. McGlinchey has highlighted Stidham’s quick decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations like two-minute drills, where the quarterback has consistently found open receivers and avoided turnovers. “In practice, Jarrett doesn’t panic,” McGlinchey told reporters earlier this week. “When we’re in a simulated blitz, he steps up in the pocket, reads the coverage, and gets the ball out to the right guy—even when the line isn’t giving him perfect protection.” McGlinchey also praised Stidham’s work ethic: the quarterback is often the first player in the facility to study film and the last to leave after practice, frequently staying late to work on timing routes with receivers. This dedication has translated to incremental improvements on game day: Stidham’s completion percentage has risen from 61.2% in September to 67.8% in October, and he’s thrown just two interceptions in his last five starts. For McGlinchey, these small wins are signs of a quarterback who is growing into the role—not just a placeholder, but a leader who can elevate the entire offense.

A critical aspect of Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB is the impact of McGlinchey’s support on the rest of the offensive line and the team’s overall morale. Offensive linemen are often called the “unsung heroes” of football, but their opinions carry significant weight in the locker room—especially when it comes to evaluating the quarterback they protect. McGlinchey’s public confidence in Stidham has helped rally the rest of the line: center Lloyd Cushenberry III and left tackle Garett Bolles have echoed McGlinchey’s sentiments, emphasizing that Stidham’s ability to communicate effectively (calling out protections and adjusting routes at the line) has made their jobs easier. This unity has translated to better on-field performance: the Broncos’ offensive line has allowed just five sacks in their last four games, down from nine in their first five. For younger linemen like rookie guard Ben Powers, McGlinchey’s support has been a stabilizing force. “When Mike says he believes in the QB, it makes us all play harder,” Powers said. “We want to protect Jarrett because we know he can make plays if we give him time.” This collective belief isn’t just about loyalty—it’s about creating a culture where the offense operates as a unit, with every player invested in the quarterback’s success.

Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB is particularly significant for the Denver Broncos’ playoff aspirations, as the team sits at 5–5 halfway through the 2025 season—needing consistency from the quarterback position to climb the AFC West standings. The Broncos’ schedule gets tougher in November and December, with matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills—all teams with elite defenses. For the Broncos to compete in these games, they need a quarterback who can make clutch plays, and McGlinchey’s support is a vote of confidence that could help Stidham perform under pressure. “When you have a Pro Bowl tackle saying he trusts you, it gives you that extra edge,” Stidham said in a recent interview. “I know Mike and the rest of the line have my back, and that lets me focus on making the right reads.” The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has also acknowledged the importance of this bond: head coach Sean Payton noted that “trust between the line and the QB is non-negotiable for a successful offense,” and praised McGlinchey for fostering that trust. For the Denver Broncos, McGlinchey’s belief in Stidham isn’t just a personal opinion—it’s a strategic asset that could help the team turn its season around and secure a wild-card spot.

Another vital dimension of Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB is the context of Stidham’s journey to the starting role—and why McGlinchey’s support matters more than typical teammate praise. Stidham, a former fourth-round pick, has spent most of his NFL career as a backup, playing behind Tom Brady (with the New England Patriots) and Derek Carr (with the Las Vegas Raiders) before signing with the Broncos in 2024. He didn’t win the starting job until Week 3 of 2025, after initial starter Russell Wilson was benched due to poor performance. This underdog story has resonated with McGlinchey, who himself faced doubts early in his career (being criticized for inconsistency during his first two seasons with the 49ers). “I know what it’s like to be counted out,” McGlinchey said. “Jarrett has waited his turn, worked his tail off, and now he’s getting his shot—and he’s making the most of it.” The Denver Broncos’ fanbase has been divided on Stidham, with some calling for the team to draft a quarterback in 2026, but McGlinchey’s endorsement has helped shift the narrative. Local sports radio hosts and Broncos beat writers have cited McGlinchey’s comments as evidence that Stidham deserves more time to prove himself, arguing that a Pro Bowl lineman wouldn’t defend a QB unless he truly believed in his ability. For the Denver Broncos, this shift in public opinion could reduce pressure on Stidham, letting him play with more freedom and confidence.

Finally, Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB offers a broader lesson about team culture and the role of veteran leadership in the NFL. McGlinchey, who is in his seventh NFL season, understands that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about trust, communication, and collective belief. His support for Stidham isn’t just about helping the quarterback; it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team—showing that loyalty and teamwork can overcome adversity. As the Broncos head into the stretch run of the season, this culture of belief could be the difference between a playoff berth and a disappointing finish. For Stidham, McGlinchey’s faith is a reminder that he’s not alone in the pocket—that the line has his back, and the team has his back. For the Broncos, it’s a sign that the offense is finally clicking as a unit, with every player invested in the same goal. Mike McGlinchey Believes in the Denver Broncos QB wraps up with a simple truth: in football, as in any team sport, success starts with belief. When a key teammate like McGlinchey publicly stands behind the quarterback, it creates a ripple effect—boosting morale, improving performance, and giving everyone a reason to fight harder. For the Broncos, that belief could be the spark they need to turn a mediocre season into something special.