Patriots 2020 season thread

At that point in the game, there was very little chance to win. He just wanted to save Cam and get Stidham some experience. Bill won't start Stidham because, if he did, it would admit failure on his part for signing Cam.

They need a good QB next year no matter what. I think he would look seriously at JimmyG, if he can't get one in the draft. They have plenty of money in their salary cap to sign whomever they want. If they sign Jimmy, they can draft a really fast WR to help him.

On another note, I flipped on the TV to watch the Bucs for a while. The first thing I saw was Tommy throwing a 48 yard TD pass. A little later a TD pass to Gronk. I wanted to throw up. Turned off the TV.

If Bill is trying to save face with Cam why didn't he just say he took him out to prevent injury? Then it's a non issue, no one is writing articles.

Brady has been so-so all year with maybe the most weapons in the league.

Bill almost always gives those political correct answers, which was why what he said about Stidham was so surprising. Zero surprise he kinda walks it back because I wasn't the only one drawing those conclusions. Patriot media writers were. I only made that post after reading two articles saying the same thing.

To each their own, yet as far as Bill goes, those comments about Stidham were as good as it gets. If you think they are meaningless, you think everything he says is meaningless about his players. Tom Brady the best QB of all-time left and a major reason was Bill not praising him. You get very little from him on his own players, yet he loves to praise other teams players which drives players nuts.

www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/history-says-trading-up-for-a-first-round-quarterback-is-generally-a-terrible-idea/

Don't let a few recent examples fool you, trading up for a QB in general ends badly most of the time. Now I'd trust Bill more than most GMs, yet hope we keep losing and get to 6-10 because I don't see Bill doing some crazy trade.

I'd also point out that plenty of great QBs go late first or later. Two of the best ever in Brees and Brady, don't forget Wilson, Prescott, Cousins, Carr. You had Rodgers go late first, Jackson went late first.

Would love them to win out, but getting a good draft choice is just as important. Watch them winning would make me feel good, but a great draft choice would also make me feel good. Either way, I win. So, there.

We're on to 2021.

Dumb Jets won a game. If we can lose to them, they would lose the QB Lawrence in the draft to the Jags. That would be very good for us long term. Screwing the Jets is never bad.

If they are smart they keep Darnold... I don’t think Fields is going to be good.

I think I agree and that they'd be smartest to trade the pick especially if someone falls in love with fields and gives up three+ first rounders. Then again smart and the jets aren't often said in the same sentence.

Stidham time, it's the only thing that makes sense.

You know I don't love "line in the sand" statements so I'll just point out the following:

- It can be argued that BB doesn't need the games to evaluate Stidham (he may have enough information already).
- We know at least 1 of the games will be meaningless (if anything, the NYJ might not want to win - though that applies less to the players on the field than it does mgmt) so how much would we really be learned?
- Not playing Newton means he won't earn some incentives. So, if you believe in the 1st 2, letting him do so (earning goodwill both with him and other players - some of whom you hope to sign/re-sign this offseason) may outweigh any added benefit of Stidham playing.
- WE probably want to see it so we know if the Pats need to draft a QB. But I will always maintain that Bill doesn't approach the draft that way. FA fills needs (and whether it Cam or another "bridge guy", one will be signed). The draft is about getting players who you think can be successful in your system. If there is a guy Bill wants, I believe he'll move for him whether Stidham a) plays and does well; b) plays and does poorly; or c) doesn't play.

Quick search shows its $250,000 per NESN. I mean whatever. For me only two reasons you play Newton, you want him back next year or you think he'll help you lose. Even if Stidham isn't your guy going forward, he's still your likely backup next year. So getting him game reps makes sense.