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 – OCTOBER 27: Wide receiver Julian Edelman #11 celebrates with offensive guard Joe Thuney #62 of the New England Patriots after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

3. The offensive line will prop him up

It’s an open secret around the NFL that the Patriots are gearing up to emphasize the run game in 2020. Part of the reason for that philosophical shift is because New England has an abundance of talent along the offensive line.

The pair of guards at the Patriots’ disposal are particularly talented. Joe Thuney might not get the long-term contract extension he wants from New England, but he’s a perennial Pro Bowler on the left side. Shaq Mason gives the group excellent balance with his ability to grind opponents into submission from his right guard spot.

If there is a weakness in the starting group it could be at left tackle. Isaiah Wynn is talented, but he lost the majority of his rookie campaign to injury. That’s one more reason why the Patriots will do everything they can to avoid putting Stidham in obvious passing situations.

On the whole, New England easily boasts one of the top 10 offensive lines in the entire NFL. That’s a big plus for any quarterback. It will be particularly helpful to a guy like Stidham who will be learning on the job in 2020.

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