5 reasons Patriots can make playoffs with Jarrett Stidham in 2020

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 29: Jarrett Stidham #4 of the New England Patriots during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots reacts as they take on the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Titans won 20-13. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. New England will throw tons of short passes

The Patriots offense didn’t take many chances down the field with Brady under center. Look for New England’s offense to play things even safer with Stidham on the field.

That means opponents should plan to see a lot of screens and short routes in 2020. That kind of playcalling also fits perfectly with the team’s personnel. Julian Edelman is a great possession receiver but lacks the athleticism to beat secondaries over the top. N’Keal Harry has great size, but his lack of top-end speed makes him a limited threat on deep routes.

The team’s running back corps is also going to get a lot of love from Stidham in the passing game. James White caught 72 passes a season ago and might actually see is target share increase in 2020. Sony Michel should also get more work if he can stay healthy.

It’s also very possible the group of rookie tight ends will get in on the act. Devin Assai and Dalton Keene both have potential, but neither is going to conjure up images of Rob Gronkowski streaking down the field. Add it all up and Stidham will throw a lot of check-downs and screens this season.

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