The New England Patriots 2019 fourth round draft pick Jarret Stidham finished the year with a 50% completion percentage going 22 of 44 for 256 yards with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. If Stidham had played a full season, based off his four quarters he would've been on pace for the following stats with this offense. 352 of 704 for 4096 yards with 32 touchdowns and 48 interceptions. Granted he would've need his pass catchers to hand pick sixes once a game to the defense. Obviously, one would think he would've improved during the season if he was actually getting playing time and the numbers would be different.
Stidham was not put in a situation where he could use his legs too much and would've been on pace for 117 yards on the ground. He has the ability to scramble but takes too long to run. He wants to be a pocket passer which is great but he cannot ignore his instincts to run. The hesitation as a runner, with his ability has to be fixed this upcoming training camp.
When asked if he wanted Stidham to start the final two games Josh McDainiels said, "You know, that’s Coach (Belichick)’s decision, and I honor whatever he makes in terms of those choices, We work as hard as we can to get everybody ready to go. I’ve seen plenty of Jarrett in practice. I see him every day, so I’ve seen him for two years. I’m confident that I understand where Jarrett’s at in his development." It's not hard to expect that the Patriots know that their backup has potential but needs to work on his ball placement skills and decision making.
Zack Cox of NESN noted, "As the second-string quarterback, the majority of Stidham’s practice reps come on the scout team. The 24-year-old is the only Patriots QB currently under contract for next season."
Thus meaning Stidham has not been running the Patiots' playbook in practice or taking meaningful reps. Cam Newton the Patriots 2020 starter was still learning the playbook and Jarrett Stidham running opposing teams' playbooks, No wonder both quarterbacks looked like they didn't know the offense this season.
Bill Belichick was quoted in Janruary of 2020 as saying he wanted to sit Stidham one more year behind Brady. When Brady left, the Patriots brought in veteran passer Brian Hoyer and eventually Cam Newton. It was expected that Stidham would beat out Hoyer. Reports in August said that Cam and Jarrett were neck and neck. At one point, they were named co starters. After watching them as passers this season, one must ask if the 10 year former MVP looked like a sophomore or if the sophomore looked like a 10 year veteran on the decline. Stidham was said to look like the better passer in camp before an injury awarded the job to Newton.
Due to that injury, Stidham found himself in Bill's dog house. The Patriots were both upset that he didn't report the injury and the lack of information surrounding how the injury occurred. When veteran Brian Hoyer started making grave mental mistakes, it was clear that Belichick had to bring Stidham in from the dog house and give him back his job as the number two passer.
The Patriots would bring Jarrett in this season with the team behind and with a chances to come back versus Kansas City and San Francisco. there was a lot of pressure to succeed and make big plays. Stidham looked alright versus Kansas City but looked like a sophomore with no experience versus both the 49ers and Bills. In the blowout versus the Chargers, Stidham hit a perfectly executed timing route to Olszewski, something Cam Newton has shown he struggles to do. This showed why it's too early to give up on the kid.
The Patriots keeping Stidham on the bench during this poor passing season showed that they were protecting him because they did not have faith in the team to make the playoffs.They shielded his confidence. It also showed to me that they wanted to keep film of him limited heading into 2021, to give them somewhat of an advantage.
Stidham will likely be competing against a new veteran addition or a rookie for the starting job in 2021. With the Patriots clearly wanting to keep a more pocket oriented passer, and with his skills as a passer looking comparable to Newton, It makes little sense to bring Newton Back unless there are no better options. Stidham might not have Newton's legs but he can run and has better throwing mechanics, making his flaws as a passer easier to fix than his Auburn alumni.
The Patriots will have options at the position but either way, Stidham is sure to be on the roster in 2021, as the Patriots have him under contract until 2022. Stidham will have to show the Patriots something or he could be out of the league after the 2021 season. With the likelihood of Brian Hoyer becoming the quarterback coach and Adam Gase or Chip Kelly being brought in to be the offensive coordinator, Stidham could still salvage what looks like a career destined as a career backup.
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