Archives for August 27, 2020

After Cam Newton agreed to sign with the Patriots on June 28th, many people pegged Newton as the clear heir to the quarterback throne in New England. Prior to the signing of Cam Newton it seemed like the Patriots were going to roll with the young Jarrett Stidham, or journeyman Brian Hoyer. Even after the Patriots inked Cam Newton, Belichick refused to name a starter. Belichick wanted to see how training camp played out before he made any decisions. There were too many question marks heading into camp about all three quarterbacks. Would Cam Newton show up to camp healthy? Would Jarrett Stidham make a leap from year one to year two? Would Brian Hoyer take hold of the job solely based on his knowledge of the Patriots’ system and familiarity with the offense?

Newton may have the highest pedigree and most accolades coming into the Patriots’ quarterback room, but Bill Belichick could care less about stats and prior history when it comes to evaluating players. Belichick is going to give the starting nod to whichever quarterback gives the Patriots the best chance to win. Whether that was Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham, or even Brian Hoyer, Belichick would make that call.