New England Patriots: Why Bill Belichick won’t use platoon of QB’s

Bill Belichick said that he would be open to using a platoon system at quarterback, but the New England Patriots will have one starting QB in 2020.

The New England Patriots have an interesting quandary at the quarterback position. Who will be the starter, Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham?

Now, this does seem like an easy decision. One quarterback is a former MVP while the other hasn’t even started a regular season game.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season

But there are some mitigating factors. Stidham has more experience in the New England Patriots system compared to Newton. Then again Newton is much more talented and multi-faceted.

So why only use one quarterback when you have two talented ones? Bill Belichick is actually open to that idea.

When asked if he would use multiple quarterbacks in the regular season, Belichick said that it could be a possibility.

"“It might. I always say I’ll do what I think is best for the team, what gives us the best chance to win. Whatever that is, I would definitely consider it — run unbalanced line, double unbalanced line, 23 personnel. Whatever it is, if it helps us win, I would consider anything.”"

Still, it seems rather unlikely that the Patriots use a platoon of quarterbacks.

A key thing that Belichick mentioned is that he will do whatever is best for the team. It’s the driving force behind all of his decisions.

Having a single starting quarterback will be what’s best for the team.

Newton doesn’t want to be used as a prop. Just using him for option plays or to run the ball likely won’t be received well by Newton. He wants to show the NFL that they were wrong about him and that he can be a starting quarterback again.

On the other end of the spectrum, if Stidham is the better quarterback he should get the starting job. New England should invest in the young player and see what he is capable of.

The most likely scenario seems to be Newton winning the starting job. He looks extremely healthy and as long as things stay that way he will be starting in Week 1.

So while it might seem like we could see multiple quarterbacks in the regular season, Belichick will likely choose one to lead the Patriots on offense.