This Bill Belichick Quote On Young QBs Is Damning For Jarrett Stidham

Ian Eagle and Charles Davis from CBS asked head coach Bill Belichick a few questions about Patriots rookies and the QB position, and his quote shocked everyone.

“‘Look, we’re in a new world in the NFL,’” Belichick said, via Eagle. “‘You have a young QB, if he’s drafted high, you don’t have forever to figure out whether or not he’s your guy.’

“And the idea that you can go back to the high school or the college experiences to try to assess that, he doesn’t believe that translates unless you come from a pro-style offense. He said that helps a little bit. The NFL is just so different.”

This sure dictates how New England may use a young quarterback if they select one early in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.  Ohio State’s Justin Fields, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, BYU’s Zach Wilson, and Florida’s Kyle Trask or Alabama’s Mac Jones may be on Belichick’s list. He can easily get one of these in the first or second round. New England may sign a veteran quarterback to start the regular season before turning a rookie player quickly.

Bill Belichick surprised fans and experts with his quote

This quote may apply to second-year quarterback Stidham. He has yet to start a game in the league. New England planned to enter the 2020 season with Stidham or veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer. But, they signed Cam Newton in July, and Belichick decided to put him under center. Stidham began the 2020 season third on the quarterback depth chart and then passed Hoyer in Week 6. He is 18-of-33 for 212 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions.

New England may not have “forever to figure out whether or not Stidham is their guy.” If the team doesn’t start him in the next two weeks, the decision whether he is the guy for the team has already been made.

Coach Belichick hasn’t committed to start Cam or Stidham for Monday’s match against the Buffalo Bills. Stidham is the only QB under contract for the upcoming season. Newton and Hoyer will hit free agency. Belichick may sign practice-squadder Jake Dolegala to a better deal after the regular season.