Former Jets GM Makes Important Point About How Patriots Can Overcome Jarrett Stidham's Inexperience

The New England Patriots are expected to start Jarrett Stidham over Brian Hoyer in 2020. There is a great deal of concern over Stidham's experience as an NFL level quarterback.

"In order to adapt to the stark change in experience and talent at the quarterback position, former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum thinks that Bill Belichick will have to lean heavily on the deep, young running back room he has created over the last few years." according to Michael Luciano of 12up.

Tannenbaum said “I don’t think Stidham has to be great for New England to be productive this year and I don’t think there’s been enough said — look, I understand their weapons may not have been ideal a year ago, but that running back room to me is dynamic and it doesn’t necessarily have to be as runners. Damien Harris can’t even get on the field and I think he has a chance to be a really good player."

The Patriots were a throw first team with Tom Brady because they didn't need to run the ball. It wasn't always the case, especially during the early part of the Brady Belichick era.

Sony Michel is one of my breakout players. His stats were nearly the same, although he had a worse average running behind both Marshall Newhouse who was one of the worst run blockers in 2019; and the Patriots offensive line and tight ends were also very poor run blockers as units in 2019.

Damien Harris is also being projected a breakout candidate by everyone else. Harris was redshirted in 2019 and should be the Patriots powerback. Together him and Michel should be a dominant one, two punch.

The Patriots don't need a superstar quarterback in 2020, they need an intelligent game manager, who can move the ball down field and into scoring range. The Patriots will probably get the ball a minimum 8-10 times with their defense. 

If the Patriots can at least get into field goal range half the time, the Patriots are looking at 12-15 points minimum. While the Patriots will need to put touchdowns on the board, even just one with four field goals could be enough to win games in 2020. 

If the Patriots run game can open up the play action pass, Stidham is going to have an easier time in 2020 than Brady had in 2019. 

Kaep was blackballed according to former NFL VP

"Former exec reveals Colin Kaepernick’s career ended because ‘he was bad for business' " according to Skyler Carlin of Clutch Points.

According to the NFL’s former vice president of communications and CNN political analyst, Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL. Majority of fans knew this but it's still nice to hear it out of the horses mouth.

Joe Lockhart wrote “for many owners it always came back to the same thing, Signing Kaepernick, they thought, was bad for business. An executive from one team that considered signing Kaepernick told me the team projected losing 20% of their season ticket holders if they did. That was a business risk no team was willing to take, whether the owner was a Trump supporter or a bleeding-heart liberal (yes, those do exist). As bad of an image problem it presented for the league and the game, no owner was willing to put the business at risk over this issue.”

Kaepernick has been protesting injustice committed against African Americans, who have been losing their lives at the hands of law enforcement. Kaepernick started kneeling at the request of former Green Beret and war veteran Nate Boyer asked him to instead of sitting on the bench. Boyer has explained why and I encourage readers to go research why.

Kaepernick requested release from his 49ers contract and has not been signed since. 

Colin's last year, he had a record of 1-10. His last three seasons in the league he went 11-24. Over that time Kaepernick threw 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, throwing 16 Touchdowns and 4 interceptions his last year. In his final season, Kaep completed 59.2% of his passes for 2241 yards. That year he also rushed for 468 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Kaepernick is 32 and is not getting any younger. Last season there was a workout  planned for Kaepernick to show teams his abilities. For some reason, the controversial quarterback changed locations. While he had gave reasons, for many fans it was a sign that he didn't want to play. Turning supporters off, even thought those fans still supported his protest.

With the death of  George Floyd, people are calling for teams to resign the quarterback. While I think Kaepernick should hold a back up position in the league right now, only certain teams does he fit the scheme for and to put him on a team means terminating another employee. 

NFL teams must be careful as this could lead to a wrongful termination suit, by a player fired solely so a team can hire Kaepernick, not because he's better or more qualified but because the league is trying to buy reputation. It's a sticky situation the NFL has gotten itself in. 

Eagles’ DeSean Jackson gives interesting alternative if fans are banned from stadiums

Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson wants players to be mic'd during NFL games, if fans cannot be in the stands. The NFL has some players Mic'd and we saw the success of the XFL with extra players also having radios. This idea could be interesting for fans.

“It’s going to get crazy [without fans],” DeSean Jackson said. “I think they should [mic up players]. I think they should give fans insight to see what really goes on in between the white lines. It gets crazy.

“I know in the trenches it gets crazy, and I know on the outside it gets crazy too — the conversations we have going back and forth.”

Marty Fenn of Clutch Points reported that Darnay Tripp's tweet calling for the NBA to adopt XFL strategies."I think it's gonna add a cool element to TV games."

Players Mic'd Up
In-Game Interviews
The *Occasional* Bad Word
Former @usdmbb player and coach David Fizdale thinks playing games without fans could make watching the NBA even more interesting.

This could be an interesting part of the game and could draw in fans. However, that may not be enough. The NFL should also promote NFL sunday ticket or put games on PPV for outside team markets areas to allow fans to pay to see teams they normally wouldnt. The PPV might work better as fans can only pay for the games they want. It would be no different than ticket sales.

Regardless of what the NFL decides, it is clear they need to do something to keep ratings up and to make revenue for the 2020 season.

Patriots had talks earlier this year with Cam Newton.

This is the like the eighth article I have wrote about Cam Newton and around the forth that has to do with him and the New England Patriots. Everyone has an opinion on Cam Newton, to the point it's almost as Bad as seeing Tom Brady stories. 

So now according to Skylar Carlin of Clutch Points, a member of ESPN is saying that the Patriots had conversations with Newton. 

"There has been much speculation that Cam Newton could sign with the New England Patriots. There have been multiple reports that have diffused those rumors. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Newton and New England talked early in free agency," wrote Carlin.

I hate to burst everyone's bubbles but there are reasons why Cam is still a free agent. With exception to one year, Newton has played like an undrafted free agent.

Cam Newton came into the NFL in 2011. Since then he has only posted three winning seasons. Newton has missed 19 games over his career. His previous three seasons he went 6-8, 11-5, 6- 8, Newton was on IR in 2019. Newton's record is only 68-55 as a starter. 

Newton has a 59.6 career completion percentage.  He has poor vision and mechanics. Even from clean pockets, he over throws pass catchers and has inconsistent ball placement. He likes to run with open pass catchers. He has also thrown double digit interceptions every year he's been in the league, except 2019 due to injury. Newton threw 107 interceptions his first 8 years. He fumbles too often. Newton with interceptions and fumbles combined averages 20 a season. 

The Patriots can get that kinda passing production out of Hoyer, who has a 59.1 percentage, with less turnovers. The only thing Newton has on Hoyer is running ability and arm strength.

Everyone is still looking back to Newton's one good year where he went 15-1 and won the MVP on his way to a superbowl loss. Was Newton good, or like Joe Burrow in 2019, was he a product of the players around him? 

The Answer is Newton's legs won him the MVP, running for over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a passer alone, he was average. He threw 10 interceptions and fumbled it 5 more times. He barely averaged over 200 yards and 2 passing touchdowns a game, while completing under 60% of his passes and he had poor ball security for a quarterback. 

Newton is coming off an Injury but with everything I have listed, the injury is just one more thing on a list of negatives for the former first round quarterback. 

Sam Teete of Clutch Points talked about Newton's accuracy in 2018, in a previous article but the quarterback has only had 3 seasons out of 8 where he went over 60% completion percentage. Again the Patriots can get that Kinda Accuracy with Hoyer.

Teete wrote "Cam Newton is also only two years removed from the second-best season of his career. In 2018, he completed 67.9% of his pass attempts for 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games. If Newton can match those numbers in 2020, he could easily start for several teams."

Sure Newton could start in New England, Washington, or Chicago but he has just as much a chance of going 6-10; just as much the guys on the current rosters do. With exception to 2015, Cam has been a first round bust. While he has better physical abilities, he's played at Hoyer's level his entire career. Well at least as a passer.

Carlin stated "With that being said, Fowler revealed that the Patriots had conversations with Newton. Seeing that he remains unsigned, nothing materialized in the preliminary talks from both sides."

The only way Cam makes a roster at the moment is if he takes a pay cut and accepts that he will be a back up. Meaning Newton will have to put his ego aside. 

Hoyer is only making $1.05 Million while Stidham is making $800k. The Patriots would have to do damage to their roster at this point to sign Cam, and he just doesn't seem to be worth all they would have to give up at the moment.

Let the guys on the roster "Do Their Job" as the "Next Man Up"

Many of the people pushing for Trevor want the Patriots to sign Cam Newton or to trade for a veteran quarterback. They're not alone, however as there is a group of fans who didn't hop to Tampa, who have no faith in Belichick and want the same thing.

Belichick believes in Stidham and the quarterbacks he has on the roster. With both Stidham and Hoyer, he doesnt have to change the playbook. If they add a new guy that puts them way behind, and if they're tanking for Trevor, why spend the extra money on a quarterback. 

The Patriots aren't paying their quarterbacks very much. Stidham is only making about $800k. If they sign Newton or Trade for Brissett, they'd be paying almost double their current salary of all the quarterbacks on the roster combined.

Not to beat a dead horse but Stidham was only a forth round quarterback because of the stuff that happened to Auburn in 2018, and Hoyer; well every time he's shown potential to be a starter, he's stripped of the position and sent elsewhere by teams looking to stay a dumpster fire.

After twenty years, Belichick has proved he knows what he's doing. Remember Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman looked like busts in their rookie seasons. Stidham can show he's the franchise, if he can win 7 games. If he finishes worst, the Patriots are in a spot to get better picks.

That's even if he starts. Most of us saw how the Ravens stellar defense in 2000 led game manager Trent Dilfer to a superbowl. Dungy kept an extremely simple offense in Tampa before both moved on because of Dilfer. Hoyer is a smarter quarterback than the former superbowl champion. 

Hoyer is a better quarterback, and would have the Patriots running game, Elite defense and Bill Belichick to help him. Belichick might just roll the dice with Hoyer and develop Stidham for most of the 2020 season, only letting him play if Hoyer gets hurt or cant get it done.

There's no harm in letting the Patriots quarterbacks compete and play in 2020 without adding another quarterback to the mix. Trust in Belichick's plan or move on.

What Mass. Governor’s Announcement Means For Patriots’ Ability To Practice

The world has been waiting for it's team to get to work. While the team has been holding virtual workouts and can continue until June 12th, The Governor of Massachusetts said the Patriots can return to facilities on June 6th.

Soug Kyed wrote "The NFL won’t allow coaches or players to return to team facilities or begin practicing until all organizations are allowed to do so according to their state guidelines in order to remain competitively fair."

The hope is to hold training before June 27th but it's doubtful all teams are going to get cleaned. However, if there is a chance, Bill needs to take advantage of getting a quick look at his player. A week long OTA wouldn't hurt. Especially with how much time has been lost.

Actual league training is supposed to start in July however, it's uncertain if they will be allowed to train even then. Everything with the NFL, at the moment is a see as goes.

Two Offensive Breakout Candidates for the Patriots 2020 season, not named Damien Harris. Who could they be?

Who are the most underrated players going into the 2020 NFL season for the Patriots? This is something I have been thinking about and will explain.

Sony Michel

Everyone is taking the easy way out talking about the redshirted running back Damien Harris. Of course Harris is going to have a breakout year. Any stats he puts up are going to be an improvement over his 2019 season. Harris should be the powerhouse back and no offense to people I respect but to everyone else, Selecting Harris is a cop out answer.

Michel didn't have the 2019 season everyone expected. People are saying he cannot break tackles and needs a fullback. While I think Michel is the Patriots finesse back, I disagree that he needs a fullback.

Michel was a first round pick of 2018. He missed some time but still produced near 1000 yards his rookie season. Michel has room to improve in the passing game and with the quarterbacks on the roster I believe he can.

Michel ran 209 times for 931 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2018. Michel had 11 broken tackles in 2018 and he also rushed for 73 first downs. For a Patriots running that is impressive when you look at how much Tom Brady audibled and threw the football.

In 2018, Michel had one of the best blocking lines, the best fullback in the league and two of the best blocking tight ends in Gronkowski and Allen. In 2019, he didnt have nearly any of that. 

2019 was a bit different. Sure Sony was hurt by not having James Devlin but there were multiple times a much wiser fan and play by play announcer, the host of DPN Sports Talk on Sportscastr.com; Mr Ray Rauth had said that everytime the Patriots ran the ball to the left behind Marshall Newhouse that the defenders were in the backfield before he could move. 

Newhouse played in 15 games and started 9 of them. He played in 63% of the offensive snaps. Newhouse had 1 holding and 2 penalties declined. From what I can see, Newhouse had a low 51.2% run blocking grade in November and at one point it was 48.4. I cannot find his season ending grade but his run blocking grade was horrible.

The Patriots were ranked 24th worst when it came to getting stuffed on runs, getting stuffed 21% of the time according to footballoutsiders.com. The dolphins were the worst coming in at 32nd, with getting stuffed 26% of the time; as a reference to how bad the Patriots blocking was.

While Michel couldn't run to the left without getting tackled in the backfield, he still put up almost near identical yards. Obviously, not being able to get positive yards to the left for most of the year lowered his average.  So take his stat average for 2019 with a grain of salt.

In 2019 Michel had 912 yards and 7 touchdowns on 247 carries. Michel Broke 16 tackles or 15.4%, again the percentage would be higher if he had blocking to the left. Michel only ran for 55 first downs. 

Michel has to improve but when he's getting stuffed 1/5th of the times he rushed at the line,  or worse because the blocking couldnt hold up; his odds of picking up first downs dropped. 

The Patriots have a returning starting offensive line along with two mid round red shirted rookies from 2019. If the Patriots offensive line improves, so will Michel's stats; regardless if he has a fullback. If Stidham trusts Michel, that will also help him in the run game.

Ryan Izzo

The second breakout player is Ryan Izzo. Izzo caught 66.7% of his targets in 2019 and was looking like the best of the group before a concussion hindered his development. Granted Izzo was only targeted 9 times due to the circle of trust. Izzo only played in 23% of the offensive snaps, mainly as a run blocker.

Izzo was targeted 4 times vs the Giants and looked like he had started to earn Brady's trust. Then he suffered a concussion in that week 6 game. Izzo only ended up playing in 6 games in 2019. When Izzo caught the ball he got yards. Having a 19 yard average, with a long of 41. 

Izzo doesn't have to worry about the circle of trust anymore and should easily beat out Matt Lacosse for the number three spot. Knowing the Patriots, with the shortend offseason, Izzo could be the number one tight end to start the year. At 6'5" 255 LBS Izzo can be a security blanket and with Keene and Asiasi, he could form the magic three tight end set, allowing the Patriots to rotate between a receivers and fullbacks; creating havoc for opposing defenses. 

Defense is not my cup of tea. Adam Butler, Chase Winovich, and JoeJuan Williams in my opinion have the most to prove going into 2020 and should all have breakout years.

However, the new linebackers are going to have to show they can replace Van Noy and Collins; which is no easy task. Thus they are under tremendous pressure, and the entire linebacking core could surprise everyone.

NFL coaches could report by June first but virtual workouts slated to continue.

Goodell is in a hurry to get back to normal, or at least that's what it seems like. He plans to have coaches back at work sooner rather than later according to Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport tweeted Thursday, "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he’s hopeful the NFL can bring coaches back into their facilities as early as next week. The league is also extending the virtual offseason by two weeks. But preparing for an on-time regular season (and adjusting if necessary)."

The league has been slowly allowing more and more personal into team facilities and it seems the commish wants coaches in the buildings now, asap.

Skylar Carlin of Clutch point reported that select personnel were allowed at the facilities but Majority of personnel were banned.

"While front office members were able to return, coaches and players weren’t permitted to return. Though, players who are recovering from injuries are allowed to use the facilities."

The league has still yet to come to agreement with the players union about reporting for camp, while covid-19 is still lurking behind every closed door. However, getting coaching staffs in the building is one step closer to a September kickoff. 

The MLB owners pay minor leaguers worse rates than walmart employees.

Once again a socialist labor law looks like it will come to the aid of employees versus capitalist entrepreneurs. Steve Gardner of USA today wrote in his article "Minor league baseball players look for financial life line as MLB teams halt payments" about the struggle of minor league ball players.

"The minor leaguers, many of whom receive compensation that’s below the federal minimum wage, could soon find their only source of income cut off – while they remain under contract to their parent club.

However, the Federal Coronavirus Relief Law, known as the CARES Act, could allow those players to receive substantially more in benefits than they’re currently being paid."

According to Gardner MLB teams agreed to a weekly paycheck of $400 a week for minor leaguers but come June first, players are on their own.

Gardner writes, "On Tuesday, the Oakland A’s revealed that they will not continue those payments at the end of the month. The Chicago White Sox have said they will pay their minor-leaguers through the end of June. The San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins have pledged payments through the end of August. Other teams are expected to announce their intentions in the coming days."

Unlike the boys of summer in the majors, the minor leaguers only make between $4K-$15K a season. They would need a season part time minimum wage job or welfare assistance to live.

MLB treats minor leaguers like crap. Gardner says the players were screwed by the new tax law. "Why are they paid so little? Minor leaguers aren’t considered employees of their parent clubs, but “seasonal apprentices” under the provisions of the "Save America's Pastime Act," included in the massive 2018 federal tax cut bill."

The act even prevents the minor leaguers from collecting unemployment. The care act however protects the players until August 1st. 

Even if the players try to file, there is a lot of legal mumbo jumbo and bureaucratic red tape before they can get help.

The Oakland A's reportedly owe $1 million to its 200 minor league employees. The team is worth around $2 Billion.

At a time when the MLB is on the verge of going under, the last thing it needs is bad press. Not paying the poorest employees and making them have to seek government assistance, is just that. 

Currently there is an issue between the MLBPA and the MLB over pay. Hopefully, the MLBPA takes care the minor league employees. While the millionaires don't need more money, if they were to hold out in support of the minor leaguers; they would have support of the fans.

Hawaii’s most lucrative and highest profile football game in jeopardy

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are supposed to get a chance to prove themselves September 19th, when they're supposed to play the Oregon Ducks who are gonna be the number 10 team in the country.

The Rainbow Warriors already have NCAA rules on what bowls team and trophies teams can play for based on conference, which hurts them; now they have to deal with potentially missing a chance to beat a top ranked team due to covid.

Governor Kate Brown of Oregon said “There is some difficult news to share, Large gatherings, including live sporting events with audiences, concerts, festivals and conventions will not be able to return until we have a reliable treatment or prevention, like a vaccine.”

It could be months or even a year before there Is a vaccine for the virus. It is understood that health and lives come before liberties and luxuries. The schools should be given a chance to play with no fans in attendance barring they meet standards.

Governor Brown went on to say " “The Oregon Health Authority is advising that any large gathering, at least through September, should either be canceled or significantly modified. I know this is really, really hard. I will miss visiting our fairs and festivals this year."

Can't get more modified then playing in an empty stadium. While it takes the home field part out of it for the Ducks,  it would allow them to continue to develop students who's careers are at stake.

Like all big named ranked schools, whenever questions about playing the Rainbow Warriors comes up, The Ducks ducked the question.

The athletics department at Oregon released a statement, “We will continue to work with state and local officials, public health experts, and campus leadership in navigating all of the unprecedented issues surrounding COVID-19 and when our student-athletes will be able to return to competition. The health and safety of our student-athletes and community will continue to be our top priority.”

Since the school is running from the Rainbow Warriors, Had to go and see if the team could go duck hunting. According to Ferd Lewis who gives hope for a chance for Men from Hawii to play the children from the mainland.

Lewis wrote, "Oregon’s state health officer and epidemiologist, Dr. Dean Sidelinger, told the media", “So I think as we approach football season, we can see how the disease is behaving in our community, what kind of steps could be taken around the team themselves and the coaches and others around the team to see if they can safely start. But as you heard from the governor’s remarks, large gatherings will likely not be happening through the end of September. So if — or when — those activities resume, they would likely resume without the fans in the stands, but hopefully the fans watching them from a screen in the safety of their own home.”

That's great news for the Rainbow Warriors, as there is a possibility that the cowardly Ducks, Might have to play the jetlagged Bows from Hawaii after all. This is a must play and win for Hawaii, who due to NCAA bowl rules; doesn't have a realistic shot ever at the National Championship.

Can Once-Promising Prospect Find Role With Patriots?

The Patriots signed Nick Coe to an undrafted free agent contract after the 2020 NFL draft finished. If you're curious why, this statement from Zack Cox should help.

According to Cox, "Coe was viewed as a potential first-round talent after racking up seven sacks and 13 1/2 tackles for loss as a redshirt sophomore in 2018. But while Auburn teammates Derrick Brown (seventh overall) and Marlon Davidson (47th) cemented their statuses as top-50 picks last season, Coe’s productivity plummeted, and his draft stock sank.

Listed at 6-foot-5, 291 pounds on Auburn’s 2019 roster, Coe is a versatile defensive lineman who played everywhere from D-tackle to outside linebacker for the Tigers."

The Patriots love guys who have issues and their stock falls. It's become their bread and butter. So is versatility. Patriots fans are going to like Coe who is just like Richard Seymour.

Auburn's head coach gave Coe some praise during spring workouts “He can play outside, he can play inside, he can play off the ball, He’s a very versatile player that gives our defense a lot of flexibility. It’s kind of rare, but I think it’s a good rare.”

Coe admitted he could've played better at Auburn, and that he was a bit demoralized during his career at Auburn. 

Coe said "It really hurt me during that time period, and now I realize that I was trying to help the team out more than I was trying to help myself out. Then when I was trying to help the team out with certain stuff, it wasn’t really working out for me.”

The Patriots have depth on the defensive line but other than Adam Butler, who really stands out. Coe has a chance to compete and earn a spot on the Patriots roster. 

Marino of the Draft Network wrote about Coe, Coe has a "Thick, powerful frame with good muscular definition. Showcases good functional strength at the point of attack and he sets firm edges. Has experience playing just about every technique along the defensive line in both odd and even fronts. Hands are heavy and he can control reps if he wins with first contact. Plays with good extension and can defend two gaps against the run as a five-tech."

Crabbs followed up with "Nick Coe projects ideally as a base 3-4 defensive end at the NFL level. Coe has been exposed to a number of different roles but his versatility will not extend to the next level without significant overhaul. As is, Coe is long-armed and at his best when he's able to lock horns and engaged with blockers in head on collisions. Asking him to serve as a two-gap defender is the best way to make the most of his strength and length — but he's going to need more polish to be a three down player."

Last word's Lou Issa also wrote about Coe saying "with his size and ability to stop the run, Coe would fit well as a run-stopping 4-3 three-tech DT or a five-tech DE in a 3-4.  Coe flashes moments of nastiness and rugged play but will need to be more consistent if he wants to be part of a franchise’s rotation on the defensive line."

What's clear with Coe is he needs development but he has the potential to be a serious piece on the defensive front. It may take him two or three years but as long as he puts in the work, he'll get there.

Will one of these four undrafted wideouts make the Patriots roster and join the long list legendary Patriots receivers?

The Patriots signed four undrafted free agent wideouts. The team is hoping to find another diamond in the rough, like they did with Jakobi Meyers.

Isaiah Zuber

What gives Zuber a shot to make the team is the fact he is a return specialist capable of fielding Punts and Kicks. In his career, he has 33 kick returns, averaging 15.5 yards. He also averaged 16.4 yards with a touchdown on 11 punt returns.

Sportstalkline.com had Zuber as a 3rd round draft pick. While they said he needs to work on his route running and has a slow accelerator, they gave him some praise with his upside.

Zuber's a"Multi-faceted player who lines up on the left, right, at FB and as a QB. His route running is impeccable and therefore stretches the field well. He fights for every ball and is tough to bring down after the catch. A nice sidestep and the ability to find even the smallest gap are huge attributes to have. He puts himself in great positions to make catches and has a never say die attitude to everything he does. An excellent catch radius and a great fend make him almost unstoppable."

If the Patriots got a third round pick in the "Eight round" if you will, there is no reason why the undrafted receiver shouldn't beat out Gunner and possibly leap from Meyers on the depth chart.

Will Hastings

Belichick has been watching game film of Hastings since high school and has had Hastings in his locker room every year since then. In fact, his talents were so known that both Matty P. And Joe Judge, two head coaches from the Belichick system were at his pro day just for him. The head coach of a team just doesn't go scout anyone, there has to be something about the player.

In 28 games he caught 56 balls for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not an impressive stat line for a college career. However, Hastings suffered 2 ACL injuries. The second one in 2018 was why Stidham wasn't a first round quarterback and why Hastings went undrafted. It's why both men are Patriots.

Justin Trombino wrote "In addition to having great footwork and skills, Hastings has the necessary speed — he ran a 4.49 40-yard-dash — to get behind the defense for a deep route. He also averaged 15.1 yards per reception for his career despite being a smaller receiver, and is reminiscent of the Houston Texans’ Will Fuller in this regard."

If the chemistry is still there, and If I were a grambling man, I would bet the Patriots are banking on it; He has a huge advantage over almost everyone other than Meyers, Harry and Edelman. I expect him to be practicing with the first team rather quickly.

Sean Riley

 Riley started as an outside guy but finished his career in the slot. Riley's production fell because the offensive line thought they were Marshall Newhouse and couldn't protect Syracuse quarterbacks.

He said he "ran a 3.99-second short shuttle and 6.41-second L-drill during the workout, both of which would’ve led all receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine. Riley also said he clocked a personal-best 4.42-second 40-yard dash, which would’ve tied for seventh..." "Riley leaves Central New York third all-time in program history with 4,358 all-purpose yards."

In 48 games he caught 119 balls for 1265 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per catch. He also carried the ball 15 times for 97 yards.

Riley averaged 21.2 on 115 Kick returns and 11.3 yards average and 1 touchdown on 50 punt returns. Versatility that will help him battle for a spot on the roster.

Jeff Thomas 

Ameer Tyree of draft kings wrote the following about Thomas,  "Thomas’ has the athleticism to make big plays, but didn’t put up exciting numbers. His speed and ball tracking make him a dangerous deep threat. He also has a ton of YAC upside. He doesn’t have the best hands though and can struggle against press coverage because of his slight frame."

Thomas is another Troubled receiver with lots of potential going to waste. Thomas was done at Miami until coach Manny Diaz gave him one last opportunity.

In 34 games Thomas caught 83 balls for 1316 yards, averaging 15.9 ypc and 8 touchdowns. Thomas also averaged 7.1 yards on 9 carries. He averaged 22.6 yards on 54 kick returns and 18.9 yards and 1 touchdown on 14 punt returns.

Thomas is only 5'8" 170 LBS, so he might need to add a few pounds. Thomas is a return specialist and he's got several guys to compete with trying to earn a spot through the return game.

The Patriots finished 9th in punt returns and 14th in kick returns. If Thomas is going to handle these duties, he cannot muff returns that costed him his role on the team in 2019. 

The four undrafted wideouts each bring something the Patriots need but they face an uphill climb as the Patriots have a lot of talent and a full receiving unit. There is only maybe one spot open on the Patriots depth chart unless someone really shows up. 

At least one of these four guys will end up on another roster to start the 2020 season. Keep an eye out for the Saints, 49ers, Dolphins, Giants , and Lions as one of them are the most likely to steal them before they hit the practice squad.

The Patriots Quarterback Room.

People are wondering what do the Patriots have at quarterback. At the moment there is a lot of uncertainty and even more room for development. That's what the Patriots have, take a look at their depth chart.

Stidham 

Jarrett Stidham should've been a first round selection out of Auburn. Somehow he fell to the fourth round. There is a lot to like about Stidham. How he stands and moves in the pocket. How well he throws the ball. Stidham showed great chemistry with Jakobi Meyers in 2019, and then got a year of practice working with the first string while Tom was banged up. The Patriots are counting on him as they brought in his go to guy Will Hastings.

Big Blue Views' Mark Schofield wrote the following about Stidham:

"Stidham has the tools to become a starter in this league, it is just a matter of getting him into the right offense and situations, with some weapons around him, to achieve early success. He was at his best (Auburn in 2017) when the team did not ask a ton from him.

Stidham is a fairly scheme diverse quarterback, who can execute on timing and rhythm throws, on vertical concepts, and can show enough athleticism to extend plays and deliver in scramble drill situations.For a team that is looking to develop a future starter, and not draft an immediate one, Stidham would be a solid value selection."

The Patriots wanted to sit Stidham for a second year and still might with the addition of Brian Hoyer. Hoyer was brought in for a chance to complete, and Patriots here Rob Ninkovich believes he will start.

Hoyer

The Patriots have Brian Hoyer, a very intelligent game manager who doesn't make a lot of mistakes and is the biggest reason the Patriots win superbowl 53. 

Hoyer has shown promise in Houston and Cleveland. Especially in 2014 were he pulled the Browns out of the basement to a 7-6 record. Cleveland is a dumpster, so that is a feat all in it's own.

Hoyer has never been in a good situation, with a good team, head coach and coordinator. He has that in New England, along with opportunity to compete with for the starting job. Hoyer is currently looking like a candidate to do what mediocre quarterback Trent Dilfer did for the Ravens in 2000. Win some jewlery, all he has to do is game manage and rely on a stellar defense.

Peter Panacy Of Fan side wrotevof Hoyer, 

"But Hoyer, who also understands and knows coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offensive system, is a capable and proven backup with moderate starting experience. Hoyer started 13 games with the Cleveland Browns back in 2014, then started nine the following year with the Houston Texans. The San Francisco 49ers even brought Hoyer aboard as a temporary starter in 2017 before letting him go in favor of Jimmy Garoppoloin that year’s trade with New England." Hoyer is "someone who can at least push Stidham during training camp and into the regular season" for the starting job.

Hoyer and Stidham aren't the only quarterbacks on the roster. They have two dark horses looking to prove themselves.

Smith

J'Mar Smith was the C-USA player of the year. Smith is a dual threat quarterback, which will help if the Patriots want to adapt more of the air raid or RPO plays. 

Tony Pauline of PFN wrote the following about Smith. 

"Athletic quarterback with a next-level arm. Powers the ball into targets, easily airs out deep throws and spreads the ball around to all his receivers. Puts touch on passes and throws a catchable ball. Effectively picks up yardage with his legs." He has "the tools to play in the NFL, but he is more thrower than passer. He’ll need a lot of work on his game from the ground up, but Smith is worth practice-squad consideration this summer."

Being a undrafted free agent, it is most certain that he may need development. Sometimes the amount of development needed is misjudged though. Just look at how many undrafted players make the Patriots or get stolen from the Patriots practice squad to make other teams.

Lewerke

The Patriots have one other quarterback. Brian Lewerke from Michigan State quarterback he had some injuries which caused his draft stock to fall and there is concern about his decision making. The Patriots seem to like quarterbacks who have slipped in the draft for one reason or another. 

Here is what Schofield wrote about Lewerke:

"One thing that stands out immediately when watching him is that he is a true dual-threat quarterback, dangerous with both his arms and his legs. Lewerke can make some very impressive throws while on the move, but also has the ability to slide and extend in the pocket, and can even carve up defenses when forced to tuck the ball down and continue as a runner.

His ability to throw on the move is a bit of a double-edged sword, as he trusts his legs perhaps too much and while that bails him out of situations on Saturdays, it is a different story when you’re trying to outrun the Khalil Mack’s of the world on Sunday afternoons. 

He shows good play speed and processing speed on West Coast passing concepts, shows pretty good deep accuracy, and can make some good reads and decisions when the post-snap look is different from the pre-snap look he was expecting."

The Patriots have two guys who should be ready to be back ups in the league. Hoyer should be able to start for the Patriots, while it is a question to how ready Stidham is early on. Smith and Lewerke could both be developed into back up quarterbacks that start for someone else down the road. 

With the Way the NFL is however, you never know who could be the starter of the Patriots by the end of the 2020 season.

Can N’Keal Harry take big jump from Year 1 to Year 2?

The 2019 first-round draft pick N"keal Harry is working with a foot specialist to improve his footwork on the playing field. That's just one of many areas the young wideout needs work in.

The Patriots tried a multitude of ways to get Harry the ball. People might not like this but Josh McDaniels will still have his work cut out for him, as he tries to use the move tight end as a split end.

Tom Brady was a double edged sword for Harry last season. Tom Brady doesn't like to mentor new or young receivers. He expects everyone to know their job and if you don't, he won't throw you the ball, even if you're the only eligible receiver and the defense is blitzing 11.

Ryan Hannable wrote the following about The Brady to Harry connection. "Brady is so demanding that maybe Harry was thinking too much instead of just playing."

The quarterbacks on the depth chart don't have Brady's luxury of not throwing to open pass catchers, nor do the have the leeway to be so demanding. They haven't earned that right. So Harry will a little room to breathe.

Critics worry about the fact Harry Missed 9 regular season games and majority of the preseason with injury. Harry being a first round pick, people want him on the field, not at home on his couch.

Harry was robbed during the Kansas City game. However, The entire season Harry seemed to struggle to get open. Harry did catch 12 of his 24 targets. Brady on occasion would throw the ball to a bad location. So how much of that was Harry and how much of that was Brady? A 50% catch rate is not good.

Harry wasn't in Brady's circle of trust as Tom repeatedly fired the ball at Mohamed Sanu and Julian Edelman. While Harry needs to improve, the biggest Improvement for his development, may have been Tom Brady going to Tampa.

People can argue that all they want, Brady is a hindrance for young pass catchers. I'm sure if someone actually went back and watched tape, that Brady was at some fault for lack of pass catchers in 2019.

Harry has his work cut out for him. The big bodied receiver is going to have to show that he can play the X position and should learn as much of the route tree as possible, to help his career. 

Harry is a good contested ball receiver but most move tight ends are. Harry needs to show that he's not just a big body but a solid pair of hands that can catch the ball if it's thrown to him. He needs to prove that he's a wideout.

Harry has until the end of next season to show he can do it or he will be labeled a first round bust. The Patriots will give him every opportunity but he has to make the leap on his own. The clock is ticking and Harry is racing against time. 

The Evolution of defense.

I was listening to the Joe Noobo show, and they were talking about stopping Lamar Jackson. Noobo does a Ravens podcast, for those unfamiliar. I messaged in to find out if anyone ran a Heavy Safety- light Linebacker defense against.

The hosts said the Chargers did, but most teams don't have the personal. Apparently the Chargers ran seven safeties against the the Ravens. Obviously, not every team has that many safeties on the roster.

I have been saying to stop the Chiefs' offenses, and now ravens, that the league must adapt to a new defense. Only a few teams at the moment have the minds capable to run it. The Chargers, Patriots, and Ravens. 

The defense is fifty-six, and it involves hybrid players. It's very close to a 3-2-6 dime. Meaning teams have to be on their scouting game when building their defense.

The formation starts with a true nose guard, this is the anchor. If a team does not have this, offenses will run right through the defense. The nose guard wont be expected to get sacks but to disrupt the pocket and clog holes.

Next to the nose guard are two athletic defensive tackles. These are guys who can play a 43 DT or 34 end. Guys who could set the edge, but also clog the middle. Players who can be moved around. Richard Seymour, Nick Coe type players.

On the outside there are two edge rushers. These guys are 43 ends 34 OLBs. They can get after the run,  pass rush, or drop back into coverage. Chase Winovich, Rob Ninkovich type players. This base formation is going to have their fingers in the dirt.

This formation has two standard corners. Preferably ball hawks that can also play zone. Then a free safety playing deep zone who can come up and play man if need be. 

The three strong safeties will also need to be able to play linebacker, kinda like a Cam Chancellor or Kyle Dugger. Basically, undersized linebackers who are a little big for strong safety. Guys that can come up and stop the run, blitz the quarterback and cover pass catchers. 

On passing downs there are so many options of which front five guys can be pulled for extra pass coverage. On running downs, teams can pull one or more strong safeties if need be for bigger bodied defenders.

The thing about this defense is it makes it hard for running quarterbacks to get by. The safeties are too fast. The strong safeties are also big and strong enough to take on backs and tight ends, while athletic enough to cover a 3rd receiver.

With the athleticsm of the front five, they can easily be disguised into coverage. Which will make attacking this defense even harder. It doesn't hold true to the normal defensive mind set, and teams won't know who's rushing the quarterback and who's dropping into coverage.

Many teams are running Nickle defenses more now to keep up with modern offenses. This formation is the evolution of defense. Once teams catch on, the playing field between offense and defense will return to a balance. Hopefully, it catches on.

McCourty doesn't like the proposed onside rule change.

The NFL is proposing a rule change to the onside kicks. This is something many fans including this writer have wanted addressed for near twenty five years. 

Instead of a traditional onside kick, teams would be allowed to have a 4th and 15 from their twenty five yard line. The potential rule change still poses a lot of risks, however it also gives more opportunity for success.

One of the McCourty brothers is against it.  In the title of Maximo Gonzales' article he says its Jason but in the Article he says Devin gave this statement to  Mike Reiss of ESPN.

“If I’m a team and I’ve earned a right to be up, we’ve made the plays necessary to be winning in the fourth quarter or what it might be, I have a chance to go seal the game by just catching an onside kick vs. being out there for a fourth-and-15- from that standpoint, I don’t really understand it. We’re now basically rewarding you for being behind. That’s the only thing, for me, that is a negative of it. But at the same time, we’re in the entertainment business, and an onside kick vs. a fourth-and-15, is a lot more intriguing is a lot more intriguing. So we have no control over it. If they vote yes, well be out there preparing situationally hope to stop fourth-and-15s with the game on the line.”

Now the new rule doesn't state that a team has to be behind. A team dominating on offense or struggling on defense might want to use this as a way to deal a victory. How many times have we heard a team doesn't trust their defense as they go for it on fourth down?

While the rule does give better odds for teams to stay in games, it also has odds of putting a game out of reach.

According to Gonzales, some coaches are already warning of using the new rule with high powered offenses. 

"Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has already indicated as much by providing a warning of his team’s potential with a player of Patrick Mahomes’ caliber under center."

Belichick is the master chess player. Really, only Tom Coughlin has truly forced Belichick to beat himself. So the McCourty brothers won't have anything to worry about with the new rule except padding their stats. 

While attacking the victory formation still needs to be addressed, among many rules. In the Modern era it's time to allow options to the onside kick rule to keep fans entertained but not eliminated as the surprise kick is still always dangerous, just ask Sean Peyton who used it in the superbowl.

While Damien Harris will have a good year, the actual Patriots Breakout player is being overlooked and ignored.

In 2019, Jakobi Meyers was the Patriots surprise offensive player. The undrafted receiver had a better season than first round draft pick N'Keal Harry. Ask Patriots fans who is going to be this year's offensive surprise and they'll tell you Damien Harris. 

Harris is the safe choice, just like Harry was last season. This season, I am telling you the surprise player is going to be the undrafted wideout from Auburn. I know it's unfair to put pressure on a rookie but it's already there if you look at his back story.

The kid has been scouted by Belichick since his high school days. Belichick is friends with Hastings' high school coach. Back then, Hastings was an onside kicker. That ability and versatility that he brings would come in handy If the Patriots have another injury at kicker.

Belichick has been watching game film of Hastings since high school and has had Hastings in his locker room every year since then. In fact, his talents were so known that both Matty P. And Joe Judge, two head coaches from the Belichick system were at his pro day just for him. The head coach of a team just doesn't go scout anyone, there has to be something about the player.

Hastings was made from the same mold that produced Wes Welker and Julian Edelman. He's not just a slot guy but that's were he'll excell. Hastings can also play the flanker role, help on special teams or if need line up as the place or onside kicker.

In 28 games he caught 56 balls for 845 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not an impressive stat line for a college career. However, Hastings suffered 2 ACL injuries. The second one in 2018 was why Stidham wasn't a first round quarterback and why Hastings went undrafted. It's why both men are Patriots.

Justin Trombino wrote "In addition to having great footwork and skills, Hastings has the necessary speed — he ran a 4.49 40-yard-dash — to get behind the defense for a deep route. He also averaged 15.1 yards per reception for his career despite being a smaller receiver, and is reminiscent of the Houston Texans’ Will Fuller in this regard."

On top of his forty time, he had a 6.55 three cone, a 33" vertical, and a 4.03 shuttle time. Which is going to help on drag, flat, and quick slant passes from the slot. Anyone who follows the Patriots knows the three cone drill is the most important stat when it comes to Patriots players.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote Hastings "Split low with low center of gravity, Makes rhythmic changes of direction on the move. Has burst to separate coming out of speed cuts, Short-area quickness and footwork are his strong suits. Alters route speed at appropriate times, Gets the ball upfield quickly after the catch. Adequate straight-line speed for a slot target, Recruited by four small schools as onside kick specialist." 

Hastings is being compared heavily to Wes Welker because they share so many of the same abilities and traits. Being compared to such a legend in New England is going to put a lot of stress on the youngster to perform.

The Patriots are planning on Stidham being the starter now that Tom Brady has gone. We saw the Chemistry between Meyers and Stidham. That's almost as good as what he had with Hastings at Auburn, so why not go and get Stidham's go to guy in college.

If the chemistry is still there, and If I were a grambling man, I would bet the Patriots are banking on it; He has a huge advantage over almost everyone other than Meyers, Harry and Edelman. I expect him to be practicing with the first team rather quickly.

After Hastings was signed Auburn coach  Malzahn said "the interest from Pats coach and general manager Bill Belichick and his staff had been tangible since at least Auburn's 2019 season..."

It might sound like Hastings is guaranteed a roster spot, that's not quite what I'm saying. Being a Belichick guy, Hastings is going to have a tougher road ahead. Bill is going to expect more from Hastings then the other guys. Bill isn't just going to hand Hastings a place on the roster, he's going to have extra expectations to earn it.

Edelman, Meyers, Hastings, and Harry will make the 2020 roster. The question is who takes the fifth spot in the death chart. The Patriots are now loaded again with Talent, talent with a lot of potential and uncertainty. The 2020 receiving unit is going to surprise a lot of people.

If Tom Brady was around it would be almost impossible for any of the younger guys to reach their full potential and to make the team. With Brady gone all of the remaining pass catchers will have a shot at making the 53 man roster.

There is a lot of hype surrounding the Patriots undrafted receivers this season.  It could be why the Patriots haven't brought back any former pass catchers. Hopefully that hype translates into one of the most exciting camp battles we've seen in a long time in Foxboro.

Reggie Wayne is a $450,000 grease ball

Reggie Wayne was a fourteen year pro when he joined the Patriots. There was a little hope that he would add depth to the Patriots receiving squad, and few thought he'd be more than that.

Belichick treated Wayne just like any other player. However, as the preseason training went on, Wayne quickly retired. Wasting the Patriots time and money. 

Wayne recently spoke about his time with the Patriots with Dave Birkett of freep.com 

“I went up to him and I said, ‘Hey, this is what it. I know got a signing bonus. I’ll give it back, no biggie … Bill Belichick told me to keep it. Told me to keep it. I’m like, ‘Hey, you ain’t got to bend my arm back twice.’ He told me to keep it. And that was love, man. And I always had respect for him. I’ve heard people and seen stuff that he’s done on camera of his respect for me, and maybe that was just his sign of appreciation. We had a lot of battles against that team, so he told me to keep it. We kept it in the bank. I appreciate it. Hey, the best job ever.”

Wayne getting paid is like a retail or fast food worker going through orientation and getting paid. It's a waste of time training the employee and if the company were to not pay the employee for the time they spent learning the company way, it would make the company look bad.

This was a free $450,000. Belichick is all to used to this, He ended up going through the same situation with Kenny Britt. Veterans and players who sign with New England, get a bonus and then realize the Patriots actually work. Too many don't want to work, they just want to jerk off and maybe play football.

The NFL should make it so signing bonuses don't get paid unless a player makes the 53 man roster. Players should also have a workout contract, where they agree to get paid X amount for each week of training and the preseason. Them let the contract and all bonus start once week one practice starts.

As for Reggie Wayne, many Patriots fans who had respect for the former colt, lost it after this stunt. This comment is why we will never forgive or forget. $450,000 is one player the Patriots could've signed. Reggie Wayne is slime.

Made for the Patriots: Auburn receiver Will Hastings not such a long shot

The Patriots signed slot receiver Will Hastings to be a security blanket for Stidham. Hastings and Stidham were quite the connection at Auburn.

According to Tom Keegan, Hastings went to high school with the son of a Friend of Bill Belichick. The friend of Belichick was also the high school football coach of Hastings, who insists that Hastings had a mind blowing workout at Auburn; especially with the short shuttle.

Zack Kelley son of Kevin Kelley said “There were a bunch of high school kids and they all looked like animals, all looked like they could play for Auburn already, He’s 5-10, 170 maybe, and I’m 5-7, 150, and we roll up and we’re like, ‘Ooh, we don’t belong here.’ And Will runs a 5-10-5. I’ll never forget the look on that coach’s face. He couldn’t believe he ran it that fast and said, ‘Run it again.’ So Will runs it again and the coach who’s timing him says, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s the fastest time we’ve ever had at a recruiting camp.’ Him running that and seeing that coach’s face light up in disbelief, I think that sparked Will’s belief in himself, made him think, ‘I can do this. I might not be as big and as strong as these guys, but I can be a shifty guy.’

Hastings High school quarterback Will Hefley suggests that The Patriots use Hastings for onside kicks. "He's good at it." Hastings was recruited by Auburn as an onside kick specialist.

Hasting had two ACL surgeries within a year, one of them ending his 2018 season.

Hefley says they joked in High school about Hastings getting acquired by the Patriots. “We used to joke with him all the time: ‘You know Hastings, you keep doing this, you better watch out, Belichick’s going to keep his eye on you.’ And here we are,” said Hefley, who once threw eight touchdown passes in the first half.  “We would tell him he was going to be a Julian Edelman or a Wes Welker, and here we are.”

Coach Kelley won several championships and got the attention of Belichick after appearing on HBO.

Zach Kelley said that Belichick met with him and Hastings at Notre Dame during a speaking event. However, that's not all according to Zach. "Every December after that, he has invited us to a game in Foxboro in December. He let us (Hastings and Kelley) go to all the meetings and hang out. We met the players. It was really cool to see that side of it.”

Belichick apparently told coach Kevin Kelley he would watch game film of his players. After hearing about Hastings tryout at Auburn and told him he'd sign Hastings as an undrafted Free agent according to Tom Keegan. 

If Belichick did in fact know about Hastings from his Auburn workout, that could be how he found Stidham. Hastings seems to have benefited from being in the right place at the right time. Hastings is still only a UDFA, so he's got a lot of work to earn a roster spot. Although, it appears he has a few odds in his favor.

Bruce Arians reveals Tom Brady's role in Rob Gronkowski trade.

On April 30th, I wrote about one of the biggest stories in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski's statement that he had the Buccaneers' playbook weeks before the draft. I talked about how it could've been Tom Brady who got a copy for Gronkowski. Then all news about the story died.

However, it is more probable than not, now that coach Arians has spoken about Brady's role in signing Gronk on NFL live.

“It was really Tom … Tom brought it up to me, and I didn’t even think it was a possibility that he wanted to come back. And he was adamant about, yeah, he really wants to play; he’d love to play with us. So [general manager] Jason Licht got the ball rolling with the Patriots, the conversation was there, and he’s working out, he’s in great shape and he’s raring to go. So we’re really looking forward to getting on the practice field.”

Arians didn't know Gronkowski wanted to play football. Thus, leading even further to the speculations that Brady's so called innocent visit to his new offensive coordinator's home wasn't so innocent.

The NFL however is not going to investigate the issue because it doesn't involve current Patriots players.

The Patriots got a 4th pick for the soon to be 31 year old retired tight end. They had no bargaining power, so had to take what they could get.  Had Gronkowski who retired after the 2018 season of come out of retirement before the trade, the Patriots would've been about $9 million over the NFL cap. Again, screwing the Patriots; however Belichick avoided that mess.

Gronkowski was a shell of himself during the 2018 season. He was hurt and is still recovering from his injuries. Gronk's been enjoying his CBD products and enjoying his fifteen minutes away from the NFL.

While It's well known that McMahon used a stunt double at wrestlemania, before allowing Gronk to become the 24/7 champion. What's unknown is what kinda health is Rob in and is he focused on the 2020 season?

Gronkowski is nothing but a giant distraction, with injury problems and a big mouth. Who let it slip that him and Brady broke NFL rules. 

He was the greatest tight end to ever play, prior to retirement. Now he's nothing more than a broken down, three ring show, under the big top. 

Joseph Cervantes of Clutch Point wrote the following after talking about the circus that is Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady.

"Nevertheless, the Buccaneers have emerged as one of the top offenses in the league. With the league’s best receiver tandem on the outside with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, they’ll certainly be seeking to snap their 12-year playoff drought with two iconic players of their generation."

Scream Nepotism All You Want, Steve Belichick Has Earned His Rises In The Coaching Ranks.

Steve Belichick played 3 years football at Rutgers. He played linebacker, tight end, and fullback which allowed him to learn all three phases of the game.

Steve spent 4 years as an assistant coach before being promoted to safeties coach where he helped a number three ranked secondary in 2016 and produced a top 5 safety unit in 2017 that only allowed 18.5 points per game. Then after three seasons, he earned the entire secondary in 2019 ; which has been one of the best since he took over it. 

In 2019 Steve Belichick split play calling duties with linebacker coach Jarod Mayo. Steven might be in his "daddy's" staff but he's earning his way up the ranks. Joe Judge made sure people knew The younger Belichick's work ethic, when people brought up nepotism in New England.

"He’s a guy that works 20 hours of the day and 350 days of the year, I think it’s tougher for Steve in a lot of ways, because he’s always got to prove that he’s earned it...” first-year Giants coach and former Patriots assistant Joe Judge told McKenna.

Some have said if he wants to earn it, that he needs to leave the Patriots and take a job with another team; that he must claw his way from the bottom of an organization, I disagree.

A smart coach doesn't a leave a team to take another job unless 1) it's for a promotion and 2) a good situation. Just look at Josh McDaniels and the Cleveland Browns situation if you need examples

Steve is sucking up all the knowledge he can until the right opportunity presents itself. There are few better situations than the Patriots defensive coaching staff. At this point, it wouldn't make sense for him to go anywhere that isn't offering a DC or HC job to him. I said that last season, and I believe it even more now.

Bill Belichick sent a statement to Henry Mckenna regarding Steven Belichick.

“There are many father/son coaching combinations in the NFL and any challenges are far outweighed by the rewards of working together on a daily basis”. As long as Steven Belichick is producing a top 5 secondary, Bill is not going to get rid if his son. 

Ask yourselfs, how much of the 2019's number 1 ranked defense was Bill and how much was Steven? If you cannot give a definitive answer, sit down.

If Bill runs the defense the way he did last season, I can see both Steve and Mayo being offered full time DC jobs. Mike Florio summed up Steve Belichick's career the best.

"There’s real value in giving NFL jobs to those who grew up in and around NFL teams. As to Steve Belichick (or any other child of an NFL coach), he’ll eventually have to prove that he has the chops and the work ethic to stand on his own. Already, Steve Belichick is doing that." - Mike Florio Pro Football Talk.

I'll tell you one thing, I'd take Steven Belichick over Josh McDaniels to replace Bill Belichick 10 out of 10 times. Josh has peaked, Steven is just starting to realize his potential.

Urban Meyer Says Belichick, Patriots Will Make Jarrett Stidham 'A Good Player'

Continuing on my people grabbing at 15 minutes of fame platform, Urban Meyers spoke to Colin Cowherd about Jarrett Stidham.

On the show Meyers' said ""You put him with Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels, that system... I can't say he's going to be the next Tom Brady, but I'm sure he'll have a great [year]," he said. "[Belichick] did it with Matt Cassel. He did it obviously with Tom Brady and [Jimmy Garoppolo]. They're gonna make that quarterback a good player."

If you been away from technology over the past three months, former fourth round quarterback Jarrett Stidham is the projected starter going into the 2020 NFL season.

If you don't know why the Patriots drafted Stidham, Charley Casserly sent out a tweet on may 5th to remind everyone. 

"Jarrett Stidham QB @Patriots has 1st rd throwing talent. Big time arm. Showed more consistently is his play in the Pre Season than he did in college. He has the raw talent & intelligence to start in the NFL. Look for more deep passes in the offense. @nflnetwork"

Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report acknowledged that there is going to be a lot of pressure on Stidham stepping into Brady's shoes and reminds us that Brady had the pressure of replacing former franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

Rapp is right thought, The Patriots don't need an elite quarterback in 2020. They need someone who can do the job. "They just need him to be a competent game manager. Meyer thinks he's up to the task..."said Rapp, and apparently so does Bill Belichick.

Patriots’ real perception of Jarrett Stidham prior to Tom Brady’s departure

Try to find anyone currently actively associated with the Patriots who will say something Bad about Stidham and you won't find anyone.

The Patriots wanted at least another season to develop Stidham and still have questions about who he is as a quarterback. That's according to Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal. 

Bedard said "How do I know? Well, for starters, multiple team sources told me after the season — well before Brady’s future was known or declared — that the team was pleased where Stidham was (similar to the spot to where Jimmy Garoppolo was after his first season), thought he had a chance to be a good player, but there much unknown about him. All things being equal, he likely needed at least another year of seasoning before really tackling the position."

Now when you go from possibly being a first round quarterback, to a fourth round draft pick; it's quite understandable how a team could still question a players ability after only one season. If only Belichick paid more attention to Brady's breadcrumbs, he would saw Brady leaving and Stidham would've gotten more attention.

People are drawing similarities between Brady and Stidham. Stidham will have to earn his job as there is expected to be a quarterback competition between himself, Hoyer, Smith, and Lewerke. Brady too had to earn his way, he wasn't just given the starting job permanently the day Bledsoe went down, according to our pal Marty Fenn over at Clutch Point.

"Brady was hardly “ready” to become the full-time starter in New England when Drew Bledsoe went down in 2001, but he earned his stripes and thus began one of the greatest careers in NFL history." Wrote Fenn.

The Patriots still have Majority of their number one defense and it would be shocking if the team didn't field a top 5 defense in 2020. Having a good defense will keep Stidham in games and could put him in a lot of pressure situations to lead gaming winning fourth quarter drives, furthering his development.

Expect Bill to open up more of the more mobile air raid plays in his "Air West Spread" system (Air Raid-West Coast-Spread). I expect to see Stidham on a few rollouts, options, RPOs and even designed scrambles from an empty formation. Hell, the wildcat and flexbone both have to be options the way the current roster is set up.

The hardest thing for New England this offseason will be, being patient with Stidham. The team doesn't have a lot of money at the moment and won't until they start making roster moves. Over the cap, who's probably the most accurate team salary calculator has the Patriots currently at $1,196,964 in free cap space. 

The Patriots have several players they could trade to acquire a quarterback. The two most obvious choices are Brissett who has experience in the system but comes with a 7.8 million dollar price tag, or RG3 who has experience starting and only has a $2 million cap hit.

The good news for Patriots Nation is when Brady left and Belichick called out "Next Man Up", although it took a while; four men answered the call. Thus leading to an upcoming quarterback competition. All four are gonna feel the pressure knowing that one wrong move could cost them a roster spot. 

So while the Patriots may have questions about Stidham, while singing his praises; The job is currently his to lose. It's going to be an exciting spring and summer in New England.

Latest on Patriots' Interest in Cam Newton

Tom Brady left the Patriots in March, letting the world know he was no longer a member of the New England Patriots and didn't want to be associated with the organization or community that had helped him get to nine superbowls.

The news broke on Twitter March 22, that the Patriots resigned Brian Hoyer. A quarterback with starting experience who was also familiar with the team, who knows how to study game film, read and prep a defense, and who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. This is Hoyer's third time with the Patriots. 

Hoyer was signed with an opportunity to win the starting job according to Hoyer's agent, Joe Litna. Regardless if he wins it or not, he'll also be expected to mentor Stidham; whom the Patriots wanted to sit and develop for another season behind Tom Brady.

"[If] someone offered him $5 million or $6 million to be a backup, Brian still would’ve wanted to be back in New England, They gave him a chance to compete for the starting job, and that’s all he asked for."

On March 24th, The Carolina Panthers informed Cam Newton that he was terminated. Because The Patriots did not have Tom Brady, every quarterback that had any kind of starting experience was linked to the Patriots; Newton was no exception.

The Patriots have shown no interest in Newton. With that said, there have been a plethora of excuses as to why not, including the coronavirus virus, Josh McDaniels, and cap space.

Skylar Carlin of clutch point used one of those excuses in the latest article.

"As of right now, it’s understandable that there’s no interest due to the unusual circumstances of the offseason.

With the coronavirus pandemic affecting the NFL, some free agents haven’t been able to conduct proper physicals with teams. In addition, those same players aren’t able to even visit with a team in person."

Teams will get a chance to see how Newton's recoverying to a season ending foot injury on May 19th. Newton may even find a job as a back up in the league, like Andy Dalton did. 

Dalton was another quarterback supposedly linked the Patriots. First, the Patriots were "considering a trade", then they were waiting for him to get released; in the end they wanted him so much they let him sign with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Patriots have shown nothing but praise for Stidham, Hoyer, and the two undrafted quarterbacks on the roster. They signed Byrd, Lee, and four undrafted wide receivers; including Will Hastings, the receiver from Auburn who has a great chemistry with Stidham. They did this because they are trying to help Stidham succeed during the 2020 season.

Newton has NFL starting experience but there is nothing else to show that he is an upgrade over the one time first round projected quarterback that the Patriots selected in the forth round of the 2019 NFL draft.

The Patriots have ignored the free agency Market according to Carlin. "Throughout the offseason, New England hasn’t signed one of the marquee names that were available. Nor did they draft someone that could threaten Stidham."

Like many have, Carlin is underestimating Brian Hoyer. Don't forget the Browns got rid of Hoyer after he pulled them out of the basement and had them trending in the right direction in 2014, going 7-6 as a starter in his second year with the franchise after the club went 4-12 in 2013.

Unlike Newton, Hoyer has never been a starter in a good situation, with a good Head Coach and Good Offensive coordinator. Newton has had that trifecta and blew it. While Hoyer, barring he wins the job; finally has the opportunity to do exactly what Trent Dilfer did in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens.

Although Belichick left the door open to the possibility of adding a fifth quarterback, it's unrealistic and unless something happens; it will not happen. For now the Patriots are happy with their quarterback situation and people should start getting used to it. 

Since 2001, Belichick has had almost every decision he has made questioned; and since 2001 Belichick has found himself in the Playoffs almost every year. Maybe it's time people started trusting Belichick instead of questioning his ability to manage and coach the Patriots organization.

Uninterested Patriots remain favorites to land QB Cam Newton

Maximo Gonzales reported that Draft Kings online betting has the Patriots just a head of the Steelers to sign Cam Newton.

"Patriots +300, Steelers +500, Redskins +700, Cardinals +800, Ravens +800"

Tom Brady has dominated every news story including any time talk of the Patriots quarterback situation occurs. As you may have noticed, I couldn't escape talking about the 40 something year old quarterback.

Bill Belichick commented on Stidham earlier the spring, leaving little doubt that he no interest in signing Newton.

“Stid worked really hard last year,” Belichick said. “I know he’s working hard in the offseason. He’s made a lot of progress in terms of understanding our offense and understanding opponent defenses, like all players do from Year 1 to Year 2. I’m sure he’ll get out there and be ready to go, be prepared and compete hard.”

Bill didn't stop with Stidham as he threw in praise for his depth chart and the possibility of adding a fifth quarterback.

“We feel like we have four good players there, We’ll see how it goes. That’s where we are, You never know what’s gonna happen down the road.”

The Patriots have all reasons to be confident with Stidham, who showed promise at Auburn in 2017 and got a jump on developing rookie quarterbacks around the league by practicing with the first string Patriots offense while learning from Brady.

The Patriots also have one of the smartest minds in football, with Brian Hoyer. While he might not have the ability, he knows the Patriots system. If Hoyer can Show he is capable of producing like he did in 2014 for the Cleveland Browns; Hoyer is in good position to do what Trent Dilfer did in 2000 for the Ravens. Which is win some jewelry for the Patriots.

The Patriots have been slow since the season ended to address contract situations. Currently the Patriots have other issues more important than Newton, Gonzales points out.

"Meanwhile, New England is still trying to secure enough funds to sign safety Kyle Dugger after taking him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft."

The Steelers have Mason Rudolph and Paxton Lynch in their depth chart. Thus, it's hard to phantom why the Steelers would want to sign Cam; however Big Ben has only played four full seasons and is averaging two missed games a season due to injury over his career. Which according to Gonzales is why the Steelers weren't a playoff team in 2019.

The Redskins are having a competition of their own. Alex Smith is looking to reclaim the job he lost due to a gruesome leg injury, while Dwyane Haskins is looking to hold on to it. That doesn't end the competition as Kyle Allen and Steven Montez want the position and are clawing at the depth chart.

The Redskins have Newton's former head coach Ron Rivera, who many thought and still think will sign Cam and just hand him the starting job. Stripping Haskins of his control of the first string.

Gonzales wrote on the idea of the Redskins signing Newton: "After all, quarterback Dwayne Haskins is coming off a rough rookie campaign and his status as the No. 1 option would hardly be set in stone..."

Honestly, unless there is an injury or suspension; I don't see Cam suiting up this season. Not even in a back up roll. The Bears have their over priced backup and unless the dumpster fire in Cleveland or New York (Jets) decides to empty the bank account, nobody's that foolish to pay Cam the money he's going to want.

Ranking the difficulty of 2020 NFL schedules in the AFC East

The New England Patriots have basically the same roster as last year, with the major exception being Tom Brady preparing for retirement by moving to Tampa. With Brady gone, suddenly everyone and their mother thinks the rest of the AFC East now has a chance to claim the division. I'm sure the colts have reapplied to be moved back to the east by now with Hopes of playing for the division crown.

The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have done what they can from the start of 2019 season to the present day, to make the division is competitive again. The Jets are trying to conserve their mediocrity and are the only weak spot in the division.

Shane Mickle of Clutch Point wrote an article ranking the east. I appreciate him taking the time to write his article titled " Ranking the difficulty of the 2020 NFL schedules in the AFC East."

Shane Ranks the Dolphins with the easiest schedule. He points out two oddities in his article. The first is the Jets and Dolphins play each other back to back. The second oddity is when he lists some of their opponents. "Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Los Angeles Dolphins at home." Either this was a typo or Shane hates the Rams for some reason. The Dolphins' biggest weakness is they don't know who's starting week one.

In the first five weeks the Dolphins face The Bills, Patriots, 49ers, and Seahawks. That's a hell of a way to open the season. If the Dolphins started 1-4, only beating the Jaguars; it would not be a surprise. However, they will shock Buffalo and go 2-3.

They follow it up by going to denver, hosting both LA teams, then head to the litter box to play the cardinals and then host the Jets. The Chargers and Jets need too much work and should be easy wins for the Dolphins. The Rams, Broncos, and Cardinals could be good games to watch. The Rams are looking to return to a superbowl caliber team, while the Broncos and Cardinals are in the second year of rebuilding mode. I expect they'll go 4-1, losing to the Rams.

After the bye, they face three playoff teams in the Patriots, Bills, and Cheifs. They'll also be facing the Raiders, Jets, and Bengals. They should close out the last six games going 3-3. Adding everything up, I believe 9-7 is a reasonable expectation for the Miami Dolphins.

Mickle ranks the Jets as the 3rd toughest. With Adam Gates and Sam Darnold I am surprised that he doesn't have them ranked number one. Mickle list a seven game stretch that is is reason for him putting them above the Dolphins.

"The Jets play the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs in seven straight weeks." 

That is a tough line of games for a normal team. Being the Jets are as good as a D3 college football team, that should be impossible for them.

The Jets start at Buffalo, Then face Jimmy G in Jersey, They travel to Indy and have two home games against the Broncos and Cardinals in the first five weeks. The Bills and niners are playoff teams, and the Jets are going to be slaughtered. Even with the Colts quarterback situation and the rebuilds taken place with the Broncos and Cardinals, the Jets don't stack up. Gase has no Idea how to use his Talent. The Jets will start 0-5.

The jets then travel to play the Chargers who need to figure out their quarterback. Then they come home to play buffalo. They head to KC to play the Superbowl champions*, before returning to face the Patriots at home and Dolphins in Miami.

The Bills, Patriots, and Chiefs are going to walk all over the Jets. The Dolphins are a year away from being a wild card owner. But are good enough to beat the Jets. They have a close game against the Chargers, whom have enough issues the jets will squeak out a win and go 1-4 over these five weeks.

The Jets have a bye and then host the Dolphins and Raiders before traveling to face Russell Wilson and Jarrett Goff. They then return home to face the Browns before Going to New England. Over this stretch the only game the Jets have a chance to hang in on is the Browns game. The Jets will go 1-5 over the last six games bringing their record to 2-14.

Mickle ranks the Patriots with the second toughest schedule. The biggest issue for the Patriots is the question at quarterback which sounds strange after having the GOAT for twenty years. 

The Patriots host Miami for a tough contest with the Dolphins. Before going to Seattle for some coffee and a battle with Russell Wilson. They then host the Raiders and travel to Arrowhead to face the Chiefs, before hosting the Broncos. I know playing Miami is normally tough but I dont expect the dolphins to have their quarterback situation figured out and the Broncos are still figuring things out as well. Stidham's inexperience will be taken advantage of in the losses. The Patriots will start the season 3-2 over the first 5 weeks.

The Patriots then have a week 5 bye, like what's the point of having one. These byes before week seven are useless.

The Patriots then host the NFC champs, travel to the house Ralph Wilson Built in Buffalo to face a tough Bills team. They then Go to Jersey to play the Jets, followed by travelling to Baltimore and Houston. 

The Patriots are going to crush the Jets. Depending on if the League has found the blueprint to the Ravens offense like they did the wildcat, will determine the outcome of that game. However Stidham's inexperience will have the Patriots going 1-4 over these five games.

The Patriots then host Arizona before heading to LA for a double header. They then Travel to Miami before hosting the Bills and Jets. The Patriots defense is too good and will be too much going down the stretch. The Bills are playing in Foxboro. If Stidham isn't developed by this point, Hoyer is good enough to get the Patriots to 17 points a game. They will win all six games bringing their record to 10-6.

So then we have the Bills who Mickle has as the favorites to win the east, he wrote."The Buffalo Bills got a couple of gifts with their schedule. The schedule is still tough, but they play some of the toughest games on their home field."

The Bills will beat the Jets at home before losing in Miami. They then will travel to LA to face the Rams before coming home to beat the Raiders. Following that they go to Tennessee, where Vrabel and Henry are going to run over them. The Bills will start the season 3-2.

They will lose to the defending superbowl champions at home before going to New Jersey to take it out on the Jets. Then they host New England and Seattle before traveling to Arizona. Buffalo will be too much for Stidham but not enough for Wilson. They will beat Murray in the desert. The Bills will go 3-2 over these five games.

After a bye week, Buffalo hosts Tyrod Taylor and the chargers before going to face the defending NFC champions in San Francisco. They then host Pittsburgh which is their wildcard game before traveling to Denver. They will then travel to New England before hosting miami. Buffalo will beat the chargers, Broncos, Steelers and Dolphins as the teams have too many issues but lose to the 49ers, and Patriots. Thus finishing 4-2 over the last six games for a record of 10-6.

The division will be close between both New England and Buffalo with both teams having one wildcard game that could go the other way. 

Based off my record predictions based on my opinion of strength of schedule due to strength of rosters and coaching staff. I disagree with with Mickle, It would be more difficult for the Jets to get in the playoffs than the Bills or Patriots to finish with only seven wins. With that, I say the ranking goes as followed from easiest to hardest. Buffalo, New England, Miami and then the New Jersey Jets.