All season long, Bill Belichick has remained committed to Cam Newton being the Patriots' starting quarterback. But with the Patriots now officially eliminated from playoff contention, it's possible he could turn to Jarrett Stidham to see what the second-year player can do with more playing time.
On Monday morning, Belichick, for the first time, seemed to leave the door open when asked if Stidham -- and other young players -- could play more in the final two weeks of the season.
Appearing on The Greg Hill Show with Mike Mutnansky and Jermaine Wiggins Monday morning, CBS analyst and WFAN host Boomer Esiason explained why Belichick might still decide to start Newton, though.
"I just think it’s a coach that’s been in a spot so long that no one’s going to question his decision-making," Esiason said. "I think he probably feels like if he does stay with Cam, that he just owes Cam that for coming for only a million bucks, to try to resuscitate his career here. There’s a loyalty that I’m sure has developed between coach and quarterback. The coach, even though they’re out of it now, still wants to show to the team that he believes in people.
"As long as Cam is still following the rules and doing everything that they’re asking him to do, I can understand them staying with Cam. … I understand why Bill may stay with Cam, but I also understand you’d like to get a look at some younger players and you would hope that would happen."
The Patriots host the Bills next Monday night before finishing the season with a home game against the Jets the following week.
