This Surprise Factor is Bad News for Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham in 2020

A lot will be riding on the shoulders on Jarrett Stidham, who figures to be the New England Patriots' starting quarterback for the 2020 season. Having to fill the shoes of six-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady is a massive request for a second-year pro that only attempted four passes -- one of which as an interception -- as a rookie.

While there's no denying that New England's lack of dynamic offensive weapons will make things difficult for Stidham, don't underestimate the significance of the departure of its longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, who retired this offseason.

Scarnecchia retiring now makes sense. After all, he's 78 years old and the Patriots' championship window is closed following Brady's decision to leave in free agency. However, his retirement couldn't have come at a worse time for Stidham, who isn't yet equipped with the knowledge or technique on how to properly maneuver around an NFL pocket.

This isn't to say that New England's current co-offensive line bosses, Carmen Bricillo and Cole Popovich, won't enjoy nice careers as Scarnecchia's successors, but replacing a legend is obviously no small task. The Patriots having to do so at quarterback and on its coaching staff doesn't bode well for the inaugural phase of the post-Brady era.

The 36-year veteran coach is largely considered the best OL mind in the league. His absence will be felt on the 2019 fourth-round pick and it could prove to impede Stidham's development in his first year as the Patriots' starting gunslinger.