Former Auburn football starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham had a strong NFL debut as QB1 for the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, January 1 in a losing effort in overtime to the San Francisco 49ers’ top-ranked defense.
Stidham went for 365 passing yards and 34 rushing yards and found Davante Adams (2x) and Darren Waller for touchdown passes — though he did throw two poorly-timed interceptions, including one in overtime, that ultimately undid a brilliant first half.
After the former Tiger signal-caller’s superb starting debut at the pro level, one that came about after the Raiders benched starter Derek Carr, Auburn football fans and NFL observers alike gave the Texas native his metaphorical flowers:
So dang proud of @Jarrett_Stidham !!
— AUBURN SUPERFAN #2 (@MichaelFloyd_AU) January 2, 2023
I was impressed by @Jarrett_Stidham in his debut. Lots of good to take away from the loss. #RaiderNation
— Jens H. Kruuse (@JensKruuse) January 2, 2023
Jarrett Stidham looking immediately better than Derek Carr is hilarious
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) January 1, 2023
JARRETT. STIDHAM. IS THAT DUDE.
— Will Kelley (@aubietiger1928) January 1, 2023
JARRETT STIDHAM WITH THE BEST RAIDERS QB PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON
— CJ Errickson (@CJE_NFL) January 1, 2023
No two ways around it: Jarrett Stidham was sensational today. Navigated the pocket really well -- especially considering his lack of game experience. Caught a couple bad breaks on the picks, but made great decisions, extended plays and finished with 365 yards and three TDs.
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) January 2, 2023
Jarrett Stidham is the only Auburn football alum starting at QB in the NFL
After an 11-year career in the NFL, Cam Newton is now a free agent who may well be retired if another opportunity doesn’t pop up anytime soon. Because of his absence, Jarrett Stidham is now the lone Auburn football alum who is starting in the NFL.
Stidham may not be the long-term option for the Las Vegas Raiders, but after his near-victory over the 49ers, it’s clear that he’ll have opportunities to compete for a QB1 role somewhere around the league in 2023.