Bill Belichick is done answering questions about if Jarrett Stidham will overtake Cam Newton as the Patriots' starting quarterback.
"I've answered that question for the last time," he said via video conference Friday morning following the Patriots' 24-3 loss to the Rams where Newton was pulled in the fourth quarter.
As it relates to Stidham, from the outside it is hard to know exactly what they have in the second-year player since all he's been able to do is appear in mop-up duty.
But, do the Patriots know what they have in him?
Here's an exchange with NFL Media's Mike Giardi:
“I think I have talked about that multiple times," Belichick said.
MG: Is he still an ascending player in your mind?
BB: “Yes.”
MG: What are some of the things that he’s shown you in Year 2 that lead you to believe there’s growth?
BB: “All the things that we’ve talked about. It’s true of almost every second year player. Knowledge of our system, knowledge of the league, building good habits, building good fundamentals, gaining experience. Those things are true for all players at their stage of development.”
MG: How has he handled being Cam Newton's backup?
BB: “Jarrett has done everything we’ve asked him to do and he’s done everything that he can do. I don’t think you can ask anymore than that.”
There really wasn't much there and at this point it's worth wondering do the Patriots feel there is something there with Stidham? If they did, wouldn't Belichick say more and be more apt to give him a look as the starter?
The Patriots will take on the Dolphins in Miami next Sunday.
