One of the big topics during Robert Kraft’s conference call with the media Wednesday was the quarterback position.
Kraft went out of his way to praise Cam Newton as well as Jarrett Stidham, but also didn’t exactly commit to either of them for the long term.
The Patriots owner played both sides of the fence when it came to the position a number of times and that was a calculated effort on his part because of where things stand. Kraft pumped up Newton and Stidham because there’s a chance the two are on the roster come September, but also reiterated how important the position is since the team certainly appears to be looking to upgrade, either via trade or the draft, and some believe it has been devalued since Tom Brady’s departure.
Numerous times over the 30-minute availability did Kraft bring Newton’s 2020 season up where he gave him the benefit of the doubt for his struggles.
“I think in fairness to Cam I’m not sure he had the proper weapons around him last year and then he got COVID and there were a lot of things that happened,” Kraft said.
He later added: “I really do believe that Cam getting COVID and what it did to the team, it changed a lot when we were in a good place.”
Kraft did not have to do this, but he’s not wrong with what he said — except maybe the COVID part being exaggerated, as Newton really only missed one in-person practice. It seemed the owner was supporting the quarterback and it only makes sense for him to do so, as after all if the season began today Newton would be QB1. Offering optimism for a better second season certainly doesn’t hurt, especially when it comes to sending that message to the fan base.
The owner went more out of his way to praise Stidham, which was interesting considering the second-year player has yet to even start a NFL game.
"I think he's a great young man," Kraft said, "and I know that he's eager to compete and look for an opportunity to play … I'm not sure he's been tested."
He also noted Stidham organizing workouts for newcomers in California showed "great initiative.”
While it doesn’t seem like Stidham is part of the future plans, Kraft is correct in the fact that he hasn’t been given a chance to play, so it’s hard to make any definitive conclusions towards him.
Again, Kraft is doing is part to pump up what the team already has in case it’s what it goes into the season with.
Now with that being said, he also acknowledged how important the position is, noting the organization needs to get it “solidified.”
“We all know long term we have to find a way, either Jarrett Stidham or someone new we bring in,” Kraft said. “This isn’t something where you get algebraic formulas. Think of all the personnel wizards who passed for six rounds on Tom Brady in 2000. No one knows what’s going to happen. We have to balance everything.
“Look, the quarterback is the most important position on the team. We know that. He touches the ball over 70 times a game. So one way or another we have to get that position solidified.”
While he praised Newton and Stidham, this quote was a sign he knows the position can be better and was making sure people on the outside know the team is not overlooking the position.
He also did not commit to Newton being the starter when asked if he’s comfortable with him as the top option at the position.
“Look, Cam is a terrific guy,” Kraft said. “I really enjoyed getting to know him last year. I’ll tell you this: Players on the team, in the locker room really love the guy. So in the end, I trust Coach Belichick’s ability to build a team and put the right players in the best position to succeed. Over the last couple decades, he’s done OK. When I’m privileged to have good managers … we give those people autonomy, and we let them do their thing.”
Kraft certainly played both sides of the fence by being OK with sticking with Newton/Stidham and also saying the organization isn’t totally satisfied with the position. But, that’s his job right now — especially given the predicament the Patriots are in.
It’s going to be very difficult to get a quarterback in the first round of the draft and likewise with trading for Jimmy Garoppolo. So no matter how hard the Patriots try to upgrade the position this offseason, there’s still a very real chance that it goes into the year with Newton as the starter.
This is why Kraft said everything that he said relating to the position. If an upgrade is found, he noted the position needed to be solidified. But if an upgrade cannot be found, he did a good job selling Newton being better in Year 2.
And at the end of the day, it’s ultimately not his decision.
“In the end I trust Coach Belichick’s ability to build a team,” Kraft said. “And put the right players in the best position to succeed. Over the last couple decades he’s done OK.”