Jarrett Stidham has gotten a lot of hype this offseason. I’m not sure why but that’s where we are. Rob Ninkovich recently had something interesting to say. At first, I brushed it off like it was nothing. The more I think about it, why couldn’t this be an option. Isn’t there a chance Brian Hoyers starts for the Patriots Week 1?
“I think Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1, and I say that because the quarterback position is one of the most important for reps under center, seeing defensive looks, looking at coverage, understanding the offense,” Ninkovich said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
Because of the virus going around, experience could matter more than past years. What if Bill Belichick decides that Jarrett Stidham isn’t ready? Hoyer is now in his 3rd stint with the Patriots. He knows this system well and has been around it for awhile. The same can’t be said for Stidham.
I think people are dismissing Hoyer more than they should. Look, I think both guys suck. However, Hoyer at least has started in the past. Stidham only played spot duty last year and looked bad doing it. More than anything, I think the preseason could play a role. If Hoyer outperforms Stidham, then I would guess Hoyer is the Week 1 starter.
I’m writing this as a caution to people are ready to risk it all and pay up for Stidham in fantasy. He is by no means a lock to start. Even if or when he does, nothing he did at Auburn suggests this is a franchise quarterback. Regardless of what happens this year, it’s likely New England drafts their next guy next year.
