Patriots: Why counting on Jarrett Stidham is a very risky gamble

Why the New England Patriots could be risking everything on untested Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.

The head honcho of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick has evidently decided to risk his reputation (to some extent, at least) and the Patriots short-term future on the untested arm of second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Unless you consider that having thrown 4 passes in his NFL career is not untested.

Before I get to my negative observation on this risky business, I’d first like to assign the responsibility for this situation to the Patriots hierarchy, Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick. They alone allowed this situation to eventuate.

It was this duo that allowed the greatest quarterback in the history of the franchise and the game still performing at a very high level, I might add, to leave the franchise, to be “kicked to the curb” so-to-speak, instead of being treated like Patriots and NFL royalty, if there is such a thing.

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It is quite evident that Bill Belichick had decided in his Machiavellian way, that Tom Brady was not worthy of an extended contract at his “age” and at the salary that he desired. Mr. Kraft, the owner of the franchise, an acknowledged astute businessman, allowed this to happen. As I have postulated before, the owner, in effect, abdicated his responsibility to his head of football operations. In my view, that was a big mistake.

Brady deserved every consideration possible from the New England Patriots, including the right to have a down season before he decided to retire. He was that superlative. That successful. And that important to this franchise for nearly two decades.

On to the New England Patriots 2020 quarterback situation

The New England Patriots have clearly, at least as of now, hitched their wagon to their 2nd-year quarterback, Jarrett Stidham. They have eschewed bringing any veteran quarterback who is a legitimate starter and/or real competition for Stidham, I guess.

By veteran, I mean a legitimate veteran like Jameis Winston, who signed for a year at a ridiculously low salary with New Orleans where he’ll likely not play much. Or, former NFL MVP,  Cam Newton, who is still a free agent.

Patriots true believers who think that it was Bill Belichick who was singularly responsible for the Patriots unprecedented run of success for two decades, feel that they must believe wholeheartedly in the genius head of football operations.

“In Bill We Trust” is their mantra. They seem to forget one very important fact: the coach never stepped onto the playing field, at least not to participate in a play. Ever.

Now those same fans think that “lightning will strike twice” in the same place and 2019 4th round draft pick Jarrett Stidham will just step right into the shoes of the greatest to ever play the quarterback position and off we go. More AFC East titles. More AFC Championships. And more Super Bowl wins! I hope so, but forgive me if I remain skeptical. The chances of that happening are slim and unlikely.

The New England Patriots organization has demonstrated an unprecedented display of hubris in the past 20 or so years. “hubris”: “excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance”. Thank you, Dictionary.com. That’s what’s evident here.

Now, it might be true that Stidham will be the next great NFL quarterback. I hope he is. I’m an uber Patriots fan. But I’m also an objective one. “objective”: “not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased: an objective opinion.” Thanks again, Dictionary.com. If you expect Tom Brady II, you will be disappointed.

So, where does that leave us? It leaves us waiting to see what happens.

Not drafting a top quarterback (like Jared Hurts) to at least compete with Stidham? Bad idea. Not bringing in a legitimate veteran NFL quarterback to compete with Stidham?

Bad idea. Just dropping the ball into the hands of a quarterback with 4 passes on his resume in the NFL? Really bad idea.

That’s my view. I see us looking up at Buffalo next season and maybe … the Dolphins? Jets? Too awful to contemplate. I really hope I’m wrong.