New England Patriots: Why starting Jarrett Stidham isn’t terrible idea in 2021
By Sam Minton
After the 2020 season, it’s clear that Cam Newton is not the long term answer for the New England Patriots. At this point is it time to hand the keys over to Jarrett Stidham?
Newton is good at running the ball but when it comes to throwing the ball that’s another story. His arm seems to be shot and if New England truly wants to compete they need a younger quarterback who has some good years ahead of him.
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
A lot of the talk has been focused on the draft. Mac Jones might already have a Patriots uniform at this point. There is also talk about Trey Lance being selected by the team.
But could New England just focus on making do with a player already on their roster? Is it time to see what Stidham can do with a full season?
Well after the Super Bowl it seems like Stidham is preparing like he is getting the chance to be under center in 2021. He is out west working with Jordan Palmer, Mark Sanchez, and others.
Now, this is exactly what you want to see from your starter. He is not wasting any time in getting ready for the next season.
Why starting Jarrett Stidham isn’t a terrible idea for the New England Patriots in 2021
Patriots fans have only seen short glimpses of Stidham. They haven’t gotten to see what he can do throughout a full slate of games.
The 2021 season won’t be a stressful one for New England. After 2020 expectations will be extremely low. If they have a .500 record it would seem like a minor miracle.
Also even if Stidham is the starter, the New England Patriots can still draft a player like Lance or Jones. They would be able to have a redshirt first year in the league. This would allow whoever is drafted to get their feet under them before starting, and if Stidham is good he will get the chance to prove it.
New England would get the best of both worlds by starting Stidham. They could prove that it wasn’t a waste of a pick and that they indeed planned for the future.
So with Stidham preparing for the season like he is, Patriots fans shouldn’t be stunned if he ends up starting. Maybe he will end up surprising us all and having a great season.
Fans of New England won’t like to hear it, but starting Jarrett Stidham isn’t that bad of an idea.