Expectations have seemingly been tempered for the New England Patriots following the departure of quarterback Tom Brady this offseason. Regardless, it seems they are optimistic about what quarterback Jarrett Stidham will bring to the table in the 2020 NFL season.
There had been plenty of speculation regarding potential contingency plans for the Patriots to replace Brady. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter feels their track record with backups is indicative of their confidence to stick with Stidham:
“I think it shows they have a lot of confidence in Jarrett Stidham, and it doesn’t preclude them from picking up a quarterback some time before camp and bringing in another arm at that point in time,” he said. “Again, what they have said to you so far is this, ‘We believe in Jarrett Stidham.’ And you heard David bring up Matt Cassel, I would also bring up Jimmy Garoppolo. The year Tom Brady was suspended for four games and the Patriots went [3-1] without Tom Brady that year. They are used to this sort of thing and I think they relish that sort of challenge.”
Schefter added that the Patriots are relishing in the opportunity to prove doubters wrong after two decades of high expectations.
“The fact that Tom won’t be there. It will be a different offense. It will be a different atmosphere. It will be a completely different feeling with one guy who has been so important to that franchise for 20 years. It is a whole new chapter. I think that they love this. I think there’s part of them that looks forward to this. Yeah, they are not tanking, and yeah, I think they have big expectations for Jarrett Stidham and we will see whether or not they are valid, right? At a time where again, I keep coming back to the economics of the business of sport, where after this year the cap may be flat or potentially go down due to the pandemic.”
The fact that they have also allocated such a small percentage of their salary cap under center also offers up some flexibility on the roster moving forward.
“Look at the Patriots, sitting there paying a [second-year] quarterback in Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer on a veteran minimum type of contract. They have no money invested basically in the quarterback position and they will have flexibility if it doesn’t go well to do what they want to do at that point in time. But for now, they get to ride with Stidham, who I think they believe in.”
The Patriots certainly had a number of high-profile options to choose from as Brady's successor this offseason. There were reports about their interest in the likes of quarterback James Winston in free agency or even quarterback Jordan Love during the 2020 NFL Draft. Their decision to stick with Stidham while bringing in a veteran backup in Brian Hoyer shows just how confident they are in the system.
Of course, only time will tell whether or not New England is justified for taking this approach. Although Stidham certainly has some big shoes to fill as the projected starter, the onus will fall on the coaching staff to once again make the necessary adjustments under center after 20 years of dominance with Brady.
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