The loudest question from New England Patriots fans is: Why isn’t Jarrett Stidham getting his shot?
For the third straight game, Cam Newton finished with less than 120 passing yards and he only carries five passing touchdowns on the season, along with 10 interceptions. Newton’s lackluster performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 was the final straw for many spectators.
The Patriots have a 6 percent chance to make the playoffs and it’s pretty clear this season is over. So, it would make sense to give the second-year quarterback a game to get comfortable and show his value. Bill Belichick doesn’t have that same mindset and he made it clear after the loss, saying that Newton is the team’s quarterback.
So, how is Stidham developing throughout this?
Is Jarrett Stidham still an ascending player?
Bill Belichick: "Yes."
What are the things he's done?
BB: "Knowledge of the league. Building good habits. Building fundamentals. Game experience. Those things are true of all players at that stage of development."
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) December 11, 2020
He is ascending, according to Belichick. But, he isn’t trusted enough to finish out a season that has little value. If Newton is the quarterback of the future, it makes sense to keep him in to gain confidence and get live reps with his team.
If Newton’s time is over in New England, it’d be very obvious to put in Stidham and see where he stands against solid NFL talent. The Patriots have the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets on the schedule still. Stidham could play against two playoff teams and then have a chance to end the season with an easier matchup with the Jets.
This is leading to the idea that Newton stays in New England.
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