Patriots' Current Plans for QB Room Entering 2020 Season Are Laughable
By Adam Weinrib
Usually, the New England Patriots adding Brian Hoyer would be a welcome sign -- a touch of familiarity behind Tom Brady, and someone familiar with the system who could help a young third-stringer get acclimated.
In 2020, though? It's a chance to import a potential starter, furthering the competition for the No. 1 spot.
At least, that's what the Patriots are still telling us. And if there's a kernel of truth there, then New England is plotting a backslide as part of Coach Belichick's grand plan.
Patriots QBs: Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer, Cody Kessler
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) March 22, 2020
NE could draft another in middle-to-late rounds and allow that player to battle with Kessler for No. 3 QB job. Patriots likely will give Stidham every chance to be Week 1 starter with Hoyer as good backup option.
Yes, apparently that plot includes putting their eggs in the Jarrett Stidham basket, for real, while opening the door for Hoyer to compete for the lead gig.
In essence, it's what the Colts did once Peyton Manning's neck gave way, but it seems intentional.
New England could offer new QB Brian Hoyer something no other team could: a chance to compete for the starting QB job in a system he already knows.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2020
Imagine that.
Every New England fan has spent the past week rationalizing a big contract for Jameis Winston, or a second chance for Andy Dalton, or even a Cam Newton swap, taking into account his lengthy injury history. Now, suddenly, the team's QB wheeling and dealing seems to involve a potential draft pick to compete with Cody Kessler for the emergency third quarterback spot. We're veering dangerously close to Carolina Hurricanes Zamboni Man territory.
Welcome to life as an NFL fan, Pats Nation. This is called "mismanagement." Happens to the rest of us.