Broncos must take an honest look at backfield after AFC Championship Game loss to Patriots

Expecting Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to pull off an upset in the AFC Championship Game was unrealistic, especially with a run game that offered little support.

The Broncos lost to the New England Patriots, 10-7, in the conference championship game on Sunday. Stidham — who replaced an injured Bo Nix (broken right ankle) — finished 17-of-31 passing for 133 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The QB also lost one fumble.

A run game that kept spinning its wheels compounded the Broncos' offensive problems. Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey led Denver in rushing Sunday (37 yards on 13 carries). The team averaged 3.3 yards per carry (79 yards on 24 carries), well below the league average (4.4 yards per carry, per Pro Football Reference).

Sunday's weather certainly impacted the Broncos run game. In the second half, heavy snow began to fall, limiting visibility and making the field …