Once Tom Brady left town it appeared as though Jarrett Stidham was going to be the next Patriots starting quarterback. And even when Cam Newton was signed, the team offered the impression that the second-year QB would be getting a legitimate shot to win the job.
But when the season opened Stidham found himself behind not only Newton but also Brian Hoyer, not even activated for any of the first three games.
Some surmised that Stidham's hip injury during preseason offered the main impetus for such a demotion. But appearing on the Greg Hill Show Wednesday morning, the QB wouldn't use the ailment as an excuse for his lot in life those first few weeks.
"At the end of the day it comes down to performance," Stidham said. "I think this profession that we’re in it’s all performance based. You have to go out there on the field and do the things you need to do in order to move the chains and to help the team. Again, I’ve been controlling what I can control. My preparation, my effort, my attitude, and my performance have all been things I can control. I’m not the one making decisions and so on and so forth but I can control the things that I can control. That’s kind of been my mindset. Each and everyday I’m working my butt off to make sure I can get out there on the field and perform at a high level."
Stidham wouldn't confirm or deny whether he was slated to start for the Patriots Sunday against the Broncos, having gotten his first meaningful NFL action during Monday's loss in Kansas City. Throughout the interview he would only say that his approach would be the same as any other week, to prepare like he would be starting.
Stidham did confirm he has stayed in touch with Buccaneers' quarterback Tom Brady. "We’ve communicated back and forth a little, just checking in on each other," he said.
