For the first time in over 20 years, the New England Patriots will have somebody not named Tom Brady in charge of orchestrating the offense. From where circumstances currently stand, all signs suggest that that distinction will now belong to Jarrett Stidham, who will have the unenviable task of sustaining the Patriots’ success since the dawn of the new millennium.
While the quarterback change will be strange at first, Patriots Nation has a number of reasons to be optimistic for their new man under center.
The first hurdle the 23-year old had to clear was gaining the confidence of Bill Belichick. In a recent interview, the Patriots’ head tactician stated that he sees good potential in Stidham.
“Circumstances will be different this year. We spent quite a bit of time with Stid. [Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels] and myself, we have a pretty good feel for [him].”
In three years of playing college football, Stidham has amassed over 7,000 passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns. Stidham has likewise shown that he can give the Patriots a new threat in their vaunted offensive scheme, running the ball for a touchdown nine times.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn also believes that Stidham’s one year playing behind Tom Brady should set him up nicely as an NFL starting quarterback.
“It definitely helped him to learn under the best and see what that looks like, but he's the kind of young man, too, this is what he's been waiting on. I'll tell you, the moment won't be too big for him. He'll be up to the challenge, that's what I expect.”
Stidham’s performance in practice has already garnered praise from Patriots team captain Devin McCourty.
“I really admire just how hard he works, and then I've got to know him off the field as well. He's a really good guy. Young guy, but very mature. He's married. I think the Stidhams are going to be in New England for a long time.”
Stidham has gained the confidence of management, coaching staff, and teammates so far. It should only be a matter of time when he has Patriots Nation’s stamp of approval.
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