With the NFL and NFLPA agreeing to cancel this year’s preseason in light of the Coronavirus pandemic, it will be difficult for players on the player roster and undrafted free agents to truly separate themselves from the group without competition off the field of practice. Certainly, there are some veteran positional groups where this will have little effect, but the New England Patriots are young and inexperienced at some key points, especially on offense, that could have benefited from even a few preseason games.
It’s hard to look past the quarterback position at the top of that list.
Whether you’re at Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, or in the middle of it (hello Brian Hoyer), there’s no question there’s going to be a quarterback battle at this training ground. There are many ways you can see this whole situation, including going back to Cam Newton’s signature and what it meant to him and Stidham. But, the canceled preseason will have an effect on both.
Let’s start with Cam Newton, a nine-year NFL veteran, who won a league MVP trophy and played in a Super Bowl. Normally, a player of his stature wouldn’t need too much preseason to get ready for Week 1. However, it’s been almost 20 months since his last healthy hit in the NFL, and after signing with the Patriots relatively late in the offseason. and not going through the entire virtual offseason period in New England, going straight into Week 1 may have some growing pains considering his ignorance of the offense.
Also, when it comes to Newton’s unique skill set, it’s definitely something that shows up more during live game action than on a driving range. Will he be able to step in, prove himself healthy, understand the offense, and really break up alone on training ground? I think it’s certainly something to think about.
As for Stidham, who was believed to be “the man” who would succeed Tom Brady until Newton was brought aboard by the Patriots about a month ago. The former fourth-round draft pick was in the system for a year and impressed coaches and players with his development during his rookie season. Therefore, he must be given every opportunity to win first place in the depth chart this year.
Stidham, unlike Newton, went through the entire rare virtual offseason as the Patriots’ best choice as a quarterback and this preseason would have given him more opportunities to show off against opposing defenses. It would also have allowed him to demonstrate that he can execute the offense that he spent a year learning.
As I said earlier, there are several ways to view preseason cancellation by making a case for both of them.
Why does a previous MVP need a preseason to show they are ready? Or why would the Patriots spend practically a low season with Stidham only to hand him over to Newton with no 11-on-11 action? I get it, it’s an interesting conversation surrounding both boys. However, as for my two cents, the current circumstances may favor Stidham a bit more just because he’s been in the building longer and has an understanding of how things are handled between those doors. Newton, on the other hand, can simply show how smart and healthy he is without any live gaming action.
Whatever happens, happens, and Patriots fans must trust Bill Belichick to make the right decision that is best for his football team. But whatever happens, embrace the quarterback’s battle: It’s been almost three decades since New England had one (how do Bears fans go by every year?), So let’s enjoy!
