Stidham still competing for starting job? Patriots QB gives take on camp battle

Share

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 18: Jarrett Stidham #4 of the New England Patriots looks to throw during training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 18, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images)

The Patriots entered training camp with a quarterback competition, but unless something drastic happens, it appears Cam Newton is the clear favorite to be the starter for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season.

Newton has received the most reps of any quarterback in training camp. Not only that, the former NFL MVP looks healthy and not bothered by any injuries.

Second-year QB Jarrett Stidham was the likely successor to Tom Brady before Newton was signed by the Patriots in July, but he hasn't played particularly well in camp and also lost reps last week because he was limited with an injury. 

Given all that's happened, does Stidham still feel like he's competing to be the starter?

"How I view things is everyday is a competition," Stidham said Thursday in a video press conference after practice. "Whether I'm first string, second string, third string, fourth string -- I don't view it as that. I just view it as a great opportunity to get better with my teammates every single day and compete really hard. I look at it as competing against myself, too, and trying to learn and grow every single day to help myself get better each day I go out on the field."

The only thing Stidham can do now is make the most of the opportunities given to him, and his goal for camp hasn't changed a bit.

“My goal, like I said earlier, has always stayed the same," Stidham explained. "Whether that be here at the end of training camp kind of leading into the season, or whether it be throughout the season, or whatever it may be, is really just to learn and get better. I’m only in my second year. There’s a ton of room for me to grow. A lot of room to improve and learn in a lot of different areas.

"That’s kind of my big thing. I just want to continue to learn from the guys in the quarterback room, whether it be Cam (Newton), or (Brian Hoyer), or Jedd (Fisch), or Josh (McDaniels), or whoever it may be – just continue to learn from those guys and really try to help myself get better and really excel on the field every day.”

Without any preseason games to showcase his abilities, Stidham will need to improve his performance in camp to enter the season as high on the depth chart as possible.

Contact Us