Every day, during the sports break stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, NESN.com will publish a diary full of random thoughts, opinions, conclusions, and other great things we’ve come across in the absence of real games. Why? Why not? We are all in this together.
After spending two months believing that the New England Patriots were Really Going with a quarterback quarterback from Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, the news came out on Sunday to illustrate that would not be the case.
Newton’s signature was followed by reports that it has nothing to do with the performance of Stidham, who is entering his second season. However, I think it is related to the Patriots’ confidence, both short and long term, in Stidham, but it is important to differentiate the two entities.
Newton’s signature indicates something about Stidham’s current position. The Patriots are simply saying that they are interested in the potential potential generated by the 2015 NFL MVP, and that a fourth assailant from 2019 shouldn’t just get the initial job because he’s there.
Who could blame them? Especially considering the team-friendly and incentive-laden treatment Newton reportedly signed.
The odd offseason may have helped that decision by head coach Bill Belichick. After all, Stidham had been plagued by an unprecedented offseason, through no fault of his. But the fact is, you may not be able to make the full sophomore leap that others have had in the past because the opportunities weren’t there during the virtual offseason. If Newton enters the offseason competition healthy, Stidham should not be looked down on if he loses the position battle to a bigger, stronger, and more experienced quarterback. If healthy, Newton is in the top 10 QBs in the NFL.
However, where I draw the line is regarding this signature, which means the Patriots don’t trust Stidham for the long haul. I do not think this agreement means that this is the case.
Newton’s one-year deal means the Patriots can wipe their hands off him after 2020. They have no long-term ties to Newton, specifically regarding guaranteed money. This decision was not the same as going out and signing a quarterback (i.e.Teddy Bridgewater) for a long-term deal, or using a high-end draft pick on a player in position (i.e.Jordan Love) . Those would show less confidence in Stidham’s future.
Essentially, what the Patriots are doing is improving their quarterback in 2020, while still giving Stidham a chance to compete for the job, while keeping the door open that it will be his in the future. The worst case scenario is that Stidham watches Newton during the 2020 season, and that’s not a bad case at all. It gives him another year to develop into the Patriots system.
And if the Patriots get the most out of Newton and he revitalizes his career, well, they got a great quarterback game in 2020 without having a major financial commitment. Newton is also likely to signify a great contract elsewhere in free agency, and guess who’s still in New England with two years left on a rookie contract to defend his case, why should he be the next quarterback in the franchise?
Anyway, here are some other random thoughts from Tuesday:
– Julian Edelman had the whole day on Instagram.
The Patriots receiver posted a welcome message for the organization’s new quarterback, and got some responses. Among them Tom Brady made a revealing comment (jealous a lot?), While Newton shared a simple answer.
📍 • néwtôn, MASSACHUSÊTTS • 📍 # LetsWork @CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/PJLLrYVvhf
– Julian Edelman (@ Edelman11) June 30, 2020
The Antonio Brown rumors re-emerged on Tuesday, and it was Brady’s new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were involved.
It happened when former NFL executive and league member Mike Lombardi hinted at the possible reunion during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” However, ESPN’s Dianna Russini debunked that thought while reporting that the Buccaneers “are not interested” in Brown.
– The Pawtucket Red Sox took a hard hit Tuesday when the Minor League Baseball released a statement noting that the 2020 season has been canceled due to COVID-19.
While all the minor league teams were affected by the decision, the fact that the PawSox prepared to play their final season in Pawtucket, before moving to Worcester, Massachusetts, probably makes the news a little more difficult. to swallow. It means they have played their last game in Pawtucket.
Tweet of the day
Good job now.
BREAKING: @MassDPH reports *** no new # # COVID19 kills *** for the first time since March! pic.twitter.com/Nt61Yfz32v
– Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) June 30, 2020
Video of the day
Annual reminder that Jaroslav Halak should give Bruins fans confidence.
Kura-leap denied. ❌ @ kurals9 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/P1KLi41z1p
– Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 30, 2020
Statistics of the day
Lionel Messi joined a fairly decent club on Tuesday.
With a penalty kick, Lionel Messi joined “The 700 Club”. He has scored 630 goals for Barcelona and 70 playing for Argentina. pic.twitter.com/uy942hqbv7
– ESPN statistics and information (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 30, 2020
Thumbnail photo via Jim Brown / USA TODAY Sports Images
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