Was Jarrett Stidham's fumble really a backward pass?

[ASFN Admin]

In the second quarter of the AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham faced 3rd-and-4 at his own 33-yard line with a 7-0 lead.

Stidham took the snap in shotgun, faced heavy pressure and he attempted to get the ball out late. The whistle blew, the New England Patriots picked up the ball and officials initially threw a flag for intentional grounding.

After discussing the play, the officials announced that Stidham was deemed to have thrown a backward pass for a fumble recovered by the Patriots at Denver's 12-yard line. One play later, New England scored a touchdown and tied the game at 7-7.

Here's a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the play on Twitter/X.

Backwards pass by Stidham, refs reverse their own call without a challenge pic.twitter.com/WDZCLoruLg

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 25, 2026

I have no clue how this is ruled a backwards pass

He’s clearly pushing the ball forward and it gets deflected and lands behind him

You could say he fumbled but I don’t see a backwards pass https://t.co/hkF3ZVsbsppic.twitter.com/CPQOi6M2Io

— Jack Settleman (@jacksettleman) January 25, 2026

That was the most forward looking backwards pass I’ve ever seen

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 25, 2026

I don't understand how you have a discussion, make a call, then have another discussion and reverse yourselves. What was that?

— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) January 25, 2026

So many missed opportunities for the #Broncos to have a much different outcome.

Not to mention that backward pass call that led to the #Patriots only touchdown was total BS.

— Doctor of Words (@docllv) January 25, 2026

In what world is that a backwards pass? Stidham is clearly attempting to throw a 2-handed chest pass forward.

The ball went backwards because the Patriots player hit the ball as he threw it.

What an atrocious fumble call. pic.twitter.com/BEZVdLkMVm

— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) January 25, 2026

Still can’t believe they ruled this a backwards pass from Stidham. You can clearly see him throwing the ball forward
pic.twitter.com/bzCTY8NlvB

— Burch (@braden_burcham_) January 25, 2026

The refs are at it again

This was called a backwards pass by Stidham. It’s clearly going forward

The Broncos just got screwed pic.twitter.com/8OljvmyAgM

— Benchwarmer Sports (@bdubsports_) January 25, 2026

The Patriots later added a field goal and after snowy conditions bogged down the second half, New England ended up winning 10-7. Stidham not taking a sack — and the officials' ruling — turned out to be a crucial play in an eventual three-point loss.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL playoffs: Was Jarrett Stidham's fumble really a backward pass?

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