Patriots: Jarrett Stidham issues bold challenge to Cam Newton
Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham is ready for battle with Cam Newton.
While everyone out there is chirping about Cam Newton being the undisputed No. 1 quarterback for the New England Patriots (yup, that’s us), Jarrett Stidham is waiting in the wings for training camp to start so he can show the coaching staff he’s ready.
The second-year signal caller out of Auburn backed up Tom Brady in 2019 and has a leg up in the QB battle (don’t forget it!) considering his familiarity with Josh McDaniels’ playbook. He did, after all, beat out Brian Hoyer for the backup job last year.
On top of that, he’s letting everyone know that he won’t be a pushover just because a former NFL MVP is in town ready to get revenge on the rest of the league.
Jarrett Stidham has right attitude with QB competition vs. Cam Newton: I'm definitely ready to start https://t.co/EjJ8wxcVst
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) August 7, 2020
"“Absolutely. I think I am definitely ready,” Stidham said, speaking to reporters on a video conference. “I put in a lot of work this offseason to really improve mentality, physically, in a lot of different areas. At the end of the day I am extremely excited to compete with Cam and Hoy (Brian Hoyer) as we go forward in training camp and getting to the season and things like that. I am really looking forward to the competition. I love competing in whatever it is. I am really looking forward to it.”"
That a boy! Patriots fans likely want to see Cam as their starter in 2020 just based on his motivational Instagram posts alone, but why not throw some fierce competition into the mix? Stidham has already been doubted twice in his young career — first after transferring from Baylor to Auburn and then after a disappointing junior season that came after a career year with the Tigers in 2017.
Before coming to the NFL, he played against the best defenses in the country while competing in the SEC. This isn’t a guy who’s been puttering around for the last few years. He’s got experience under his belt and knows how to deal with adversity.
At the very least, he’ll be auditioning for a role for life after Newton considering the Pats only have the former Panthers QB under contract for one year.
