Account
Patriots' Jarrett Stidham 'Definitely' Ready for QB Competition with Cam Newton
August 7, 2020
After spending a significant portion of the offseason as the expected starter this season, New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham is embracing the opportunity to compete with Cam Newton.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Stidham explained why he's "definitely ready" to challenge Newton to be New England's quarterback in Week 1:
"I've put in a lot of work this offseason to really improve mentally, physically in a lot of different areas. At the end of the day, I'm extremely excited to compete with Cam and [Brian Hoyer] as we go forward in training camp and getting into the season and things like that. I'm really looking forward to the competition. I love competing in whatever it is, so I'm really looking forward to it."
When Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March, it was assumed the Patriots would look to bring in an experienced veteran starter who could keep them among the top teams in the AFC.
As time passed without any moves, including not selecting a quarterback in the NFL draft, Stidham seemed as if he could stay atop the depth chart heading into the regular season.
The Patriots changed their quarterback room on July 8 when Newton officially signed a one-year deal. The 2015 NFL MVP will attempt to rebuild his value coming off two injury-plagued seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
Newton did have to pass a physical before his deal could be finalized, but no one knows what he will look like coming off surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury in December. The 31-year-old threw for 572 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in two starts last season.
A fourth-round pick by the Patriots last year, Stidham appeared in four games as a rookie. He completed two of four attempts for 50 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
The Patriots will open this season on Sept. 13 at home against the Miami Dolphins.