First let me say that prior to Newton being given the starting spot in 2020, everyone in the building had something positive to say about Stidham's work ethic, development, and ability as a player.
Stidham was demoted to third string for circumstances around his injury in August and promoted back to second string after Brian Hoyer played poorly and Stidham played decently coming off the bench. If the coaching staff thought Stidham was that bad, he would not have been moved up on the depth chart. Stidham was expected to start versus Denver but the league for suspect reasons, postponed the game giving enough time for Cam to return.
The week of December 8th, Cam Newton appeared on a local talk show and said the following of Stidham. "I am so proud of Stid. We had a chat yesterday in the QB room and honestly, his growth and his development is something that really caught my attention because I have known him enough to know I don’t know if he makes that throw or be able to stand in that pocket, a murky pocket, for what it was and fire an absolute strike to Gun Show [Gunner Olszewski]."
After the loss to the Rams Belichick said the following about Stidham. “Jarrett has worked hard. He’s tried to take advantage of his opportunities. But that’s not really the point...”
Belichick would get back to Stidham later in that interview saying, "Jarrett’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, and he’s done everything he can do. I don’t think you can ask any more than that.”
Although Harry later retracted the statement after pressure from the organization, in mid December around the 17th, his trainer and friends were quoted as saying that Harry blamed Newton for his lack of production and eluded to him being more productive if Stidham had been playing.
The Patriots didn't want friction in the locker room and have always been good about keeping issues in house. Belichick was doing his best to keep Cam from having an emotional breakdown or so it seemed in 2020.
On December 21, 2021, James White appeared on Dale & Keefe with Nick “Fitzy” Stevens and Andy Hart filling in. White told them, “Jarret is a good football player. Obviously, you could tell that coming in his rookie year learning and things of that nature. He has all the talent he needs to be successful in this league and I am sure he’s probably excited for whenever he gets the opportunity to step out there and I think he will be great whenever he does.”
In December McDaniels said he was confident of Stidham's development but the choice on who starts is Belichick's decision.
James White appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio the week of February 7th and continued to show confidence in Stidham. White said, “I am sure he’s chomping at the bit to get his opportunity. I think he will be a guy that can get some things done. He works hard. Strong arm, studies hard, prepares hard and it’s tough being a backup. He may not get many reps as he wants to, but he stayed motivated throughout that entire season.He got to play sometimes towards the end of games. He’s a young guy excited to get out there. You want to play those four full quarters and get your opportunity. I am sure he’s working hard this offseason to prove that he can do that.”
On February 9th Damien Harris was showing support for Stidham who had begun training in California. Harris posting emojis of support.
Now while Stidham seems to have support from the offensive side, the defense not so much. Devin McCourty said the thought of Cam getting benched in December "Sucked," and in late January, D-Mac said he "wouldn't mind seeing my guy resigned."
There seem two be two sides to this debate. The offense versus friends. Harris is a friend of Stidham's and D-Mac is a friend of Newton's. So if wiping away the comments of friends about support or lack of support for Stidham. There seems still to be support from the offensive side of the locker room for Stidham to start or at least compete in 2020.
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