Scott Zolak believes Patriots’ starting QB role is Jarrett Stidham’s to lose

Scott Zolak believes Jarrett Stidham could still be the starter.

Many people have slotted Cam Newton as the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback for 2020. Not so fast — in one NFL analyst’s opinion, Jarrett Stidham could still be the team’s starter in Week 1.

Scott Zolak of 98.5 The Sports Hub believes Stidham will claim the role, based on conversations he has had with people close to the team.

Zolak said Stidham has been working out a bit over the past couple of weeks, but he hasn’t been seen much on social media as of late. It will be interesting to see how this quarterback battle heats up, as both Newton and Stidham are motivated.

“I believe Stidham will be starting QB from the people I talk to and people that I trust: the players, people tied to the team, team captains,” Zolak said. “The way they speak of Jarrett Stidham and the work he has put in.”

“A lot of people thought Stidham was on a two-week vacation on a wedding tour down in Texas. He did go to a wedding and spent time with family — and he worked out every day with pro-caliber receivers. That’s what I was told.”

It’s certainly encouraging for New England that Stidham has been gaining the confidence from those who surround him. Now, he’ll have to go up against a quarterback in Newton, who seems more motivated than ever to succeed. For the first time in two decades, the Patriots may have a quarterback battle on their hands.

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