Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Upon Further Review: Patriots QBs with Auburn Roots Struggled in 2020 — 1/7/2021

Episode Date: January 7, 2021

In the wake of Tom Brady’s departure, the New England Patriots anticipated that a former Auburn Tiger would be the man taking starting snaps under center for the Patriots in 2020. While a pair of Tigers seemed to be vying for the job at various points throughout the year, the results were not quite what was expected in New England. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Zac Blackerby, host of Locked On Auburn, to discuss the performance of both quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham in 2020, and discuss what it means for each of their futures in Foxboro.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. Today is Thursday, January 7th, 2021, and that means it's time to talk some quarterbacks with a little Auburn flavor here on your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Locked on Patriots is presented today by 1010.

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Pats Nation, thank you for joining me here on today's episode of Locked On Patriots. My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, and clearly throughout the United States right now, there are events transpiring of great importance. And while we would never dream of trivializing the importance or significance of these events, we here at the Locked On Podcast Network are dedicated to bringing you the latest news notes and analysis on your favorite sports team each and every day. So today, I would sincerely like to thank you for listening. I hope that I can provide you with a little respite at this time, and I hope you enjoy what we have in store for you here today on Locked on Patriots.

Because today here on the pod, we will be discussing a subject that is near and dear to the hearts of New England Patriots football right now, the quarterback position. Since Tom Brady took his last snap as a member of the New England Patriots just a little over a year ago, the Patriots quarterback situation has undergone a lot of questions. Started off thinking Jarrett Stidham was going to be handed the keys to the kingdom. Here on the pod throughout the remainder of the winter and early spring, I was even up on the Stidham stump. But then late June gave way to the knowledge that former 2015 MVP Cam Newton would be taking snaps under center in New England.

And with Cam's addition came two things. A great deal of excitement and heightened expectations. Well, with the Patriots finishing 7-9 on the 2020 regular season, one might be inclined to say that those expectations weren't exactly met. But is it all Cam Newton's fault? Is it a case of Cam simply being past his prime? Or is it a situation where he just simply didn't have the time to develop the relationship he needed with his teammates in order to be an effective quarterback for the Pats this year? Also, did the Patriots fail to tailor-make the

offense to Cam Newton's strengths and thereby putting him in a position where he wasn't able to succeed? Well, these are all questions that will continue to linger into the offseason, especially as the Patriots make the all-important decision as to whether Cam is going to be their guy in 2021 or whether or not this team has made the decision to move on. There's also the question out there as to whether or not Jared Stidham has been passed by. Cam struggled a lot this year and was even placed on COVID reserve

for a brief period of time. Despite those opportunities, we saw little to none of Jared Stidham, especially in a starting role. So what does that mean for his future in Foxborough moving forward? Well, questions of this type require the answers of someone that has covered not only Cam Newton,

but also Jared Stidham, and has covered them for the entirety of their careers, going all the way back to their days as Auburn Tigers. That's right, folks. Joining me here on the hot seat today is my good friend and colleague here at Locked On, Zach Blackerby, host of the Locked On Auburn podcast, and we will be discussing Patriots quarterbacks. We'll talk Cam Newton's logistical fit in New England, and why the expectations that

were so high when he signed here didn't quite get lived up to on the field. We'll also talk about Cam's potential future. If he's not going to be here in New England next year, where might he end up? We'll also talk a little bit about Jarrett Stidham and Zach definitely has some auburn insight as to why Stid the Kid may not have been the answer we all thought he was at the beginning of the year. Finally, we'll play devil's advocate and if Cam is indeed moving on from New England and Stidham is relegated to merely a backup role, who might the Patriots target? All this and more today on an action-packed episode of Locked On Patriots, so sit tight,

stay locked into Locked On Patriots, as Zach Blackerby, host of Locked On Auburn, will join me here on the hot seat when the pod continues in just a moment. But first, Pats fans. The Pats may not be in the playoff picture this weekend, but that doesn't mean that we're not still all ready for some football up here in Foxborough. We're always ready to watch some football. College football is heading into bowl season and there are some big matchups still to come. The NFL regular season finished.

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LockedOn listeners, 2020 is mercifully over. It is time for a fresh start and a few more wins. If you're betting this year and you want more wins, listen to Locked On Bets with your boy Q and Lee Sterling of Paramount Sports. They are picking college basketball, football, and NBA locks all winter long. Subscribe to Locked On Bets wherever you get your podcasts. Patriots fans, in the wake of Tom Brady's departure, we all anticipated that a former Auburn Tiger would be the man taking starting snaps under center for the Patriots in 2020. But what looked like a far-gone conclusion in the spring suddenly wasn't in the summer, as a pair of Tigers seemed to be vying for the job at various points throughout the year.

But the results were not quite what was expected in New England. And that was far from being the sole fault of either of those quarterbacks, whether it be Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham. But who better to speak with on this issue than a man that knows a thing or two about Auburn quarterbacks? My guest today is the program director of the Auburn Network and the host of Locked On Auburn right here on the Locked On Podcast Network. It is my honor and pleasure to be joined today by my good friend, Zach Blackerby.

Zach, welcome back to Locked On Patriots and a happy new year to you, my friend. Yeah, happy new year, Mike. I always love coming on and talking Pats football with you down in Auburn, Alabama. More Patriot fans than normal because of this fun year for reasons that you just mentioned. But yeah, it's always fun to chat with you on Locked On Patriots. Absolutely. No question about it. And, you know, it's always, always been a joy, you know, to speak with you on these

matters and to speak with you when it comes to Auburn quarterbacks that find a way to make an impact in New England. And, you know, my friend, that Auburn flavor that we spoke about here on the airwaves several times this year was indeed felt, but the team fell short of the success that many believe the Patriots would have. And there are some within the fan base that want to place that blame squarely on quarterback play. Even though, if we're being honest, the Patriots had a number of departures on the defensive side of the ball that led to a regression. They're also had a lack of depth at the receiver position, pretty much a dormant tight end depth chart. That's a tall task for any quarterback to come in and be able to do, but the quarterback is always going to get the lion's share

or maybe I should say the tiger's share of the coverage, good or bad. And speaking of bad, yes, folks, that was a bad pun. I get one per episode. But let's start with Cam Newton. Zach, this is a player you covered, you know, very well. And if I'm being honest, in terms of work ethic, in terms of effort and in terms of just pure class and the way he's conducted himself, New England could not have asked for more or better than what Cam provided to this team. It's so difficult. It's such a tall task to replace a legend in Tom Brady. And I thought Cam was the perfect ambassador for Patriots football this year, whether it be his candor, his accountability,

or really just my observations of him being one of the best teammates that I've ever covered in the NFL. Everything is advertised, if not more, lived up to expectations and exceeded it. But on the field, Cam's season just never seemed to gain the traction that we were all hoping that it would this year. On the season, Cam completed 242 of 368 pass attempts, passed for 2,657 yards, as well as an 8-10 touchdown to interception split. He also had 592 rushing yards for 12 touchdowns on 137 carries. That's very impressive. Solid numbers overall, but just unfortunately not enough

to help the Patriots' struggling offense evolve over the season to really bring them more than the seven wins that they finished with. So, Zach, having covered Cam in the past and having followed his career very closely like you have, what did you notice about his fit in New England that just didn't seem to get on track even when it looked like things were starting to click? I mean, he never really looked comfortable in the offense.

In the offense that Josh McDaniels ran this year, it looks different than what Cam did at Auburn, obviously, about a decade ago. It looks different than what he did at Carolina. But there were some themes that I think have kind of always followed Cam. And it just seems like wherever he is, he hadn't really had a whole lot of talent to throw the football to. And he had a few years with guys in Carolina. But, I mean, even his MVP season, it's not like he had, you know, some extremely talented pass catchers throughout it. Greg Olson was always kind of, you know, a safety valve. And he was always really good with Cam.

But I think that was more of a chemistry thing than anything else. Especially when you type type in you know throw in like Kelvin Benjamin and Ted Ginn and guys like that and then even back at Auburn I mean he was really the only player to make it in the NFL from that championship team which is remarkable when you really think about it but he didn't really have anybody to throw to you saw what he was able to do against you, a below average defense when you talk about earlier in the season against the Seattle Seahawks. But Edelman, I mean, he didn't really play much after that due to injury and things like that.

And it's just OK. After that, you really didn't have anybody step up. Jacoby Myers had moments, but Cam never really looked comfortable finding guys down the field. The passing game never really looked comfortable finding guys down the field the passing game never really evolved and cam held on to the football in situations where he probably should have uh either ran it or uh or got rid of it somehow quicker but guys weren't getting open downfield so it's like how much can you really do so you you know you opened up that question with talking about his work ethic and replacing brady and all that. I 100% agree.

Every time you talk to a guy that's played with Cam, they talk about how much they love playing with him, how great he is in the locker room, and how hardworking he is. Which is so opposite and against the narrative that a lot of national media wants to put where he can be a locker room issue. And that's ridiculous. I mean, there's interviews out there with Slater and several other team leaders where it's like they have loved getting to know Cam over the course of the season. But Mike, I think the big issue here is they only got to know Cam over the course of the season.

He showed up a few weeks before the season started, won the job over Jarrett Stidham, but with this abbreviated offseason and this weird year and practice limitations and gathering limitations, then he kind of gets going and misses a few weeks of practice due to catching COVID and all of that. It's like he never really got enough time to be consistent and really get things going with these receivers

over the course of an extended period of time. And I think over the course of, you know, an extended period of time. And I think over the course of the season, you need to get better. You need to get better as an offense. You need to get better as a team and you get closer with your teammates and with injuries throughout the offense and, uh, and, and, and him catching COVID and missing some really key developmental weeks in the middle of the season. That's really just what it came down to is I think time,

lack thereof when you talk about time with this team and just a really different style of offense and not really having guys step up to help them over the course of the year. Absolutely. I think that's so well said. One of the things that, or the recurring themes that I keep coming back to in doing my postseason analysis and kind of picking up the pieces here for Patriots Nation and attempting to make sense of a season that, let's face it, the fan base really isn't used to. I mean, I go back a few years to the difficult days of the 80s.

I don't quite go back into the 70s. I'm not that old yet, folks. But I do go back as a young child in the 80s and growing up and not knowing whether or not the Patriots would ever see a Super Bowl championship. I always thought this might be a team that might make a nice run every now and then, but really wasn't going to be a championship contender. Now, the last 20 years, we've been spoiled up here in New England and a seven and nine season seems like the end of the world. But at the same time, I think there are two things that people need to remember when it comes to why the season played out the way it did for the Patriots, especially the way it did for Cam Newton. You hit them. Lack of time and a lack of continuity. It's just it was a lack of time to get acclimated.

Cam came in late. He didn't have the benefit of OTAs. He didn't have the benefit of OTAs. He didn't have the benefit of mini camp. He didn't have the benefit of preseason to kind of work out some of the kinks and be able to utilize his teammates well in game settings until it was go time and it was ready for a game. You can simulate all you want, but simulation is never an adequate substitute for the real thing on the field, whether it be preseason or not. That's a big, big part of this. And also you mentioned lack of continuity. I was a little bit surprised with some of the play calling that they didn't try to rework

this offense a little bit, knowing Cam Newton was going to come in and be the guy you have to play to with strengths. And I didn't always see that from the Pats. Did he make mistakes on the field? Absolutely. Holding onto the ball, you know, not getting rid of it on time, really having difficulty picking up the blitz. These were problems, and no one is going to sit there and say they weren't.

But to put it all on his shoulders or to lay it all at his feet, I think is a little bit disingenuous. So I appreciate you giving that insight, because I think that's something I've been seeing, and I know Patriots fans across the nation have been seeing it as well. Now, Zach, obviously the Patriots and Cam have some talking to do about his future here in New England. Cam has recently said that returning to New England would be called, quote, a blessing. But there are some conflicting reports out there, or I should say opinions, not reports. That word can apparently get you into some trouble

on game days and throughout the week. And I think you know what I'm talking about with some of the reports or knock of reports that were out there stating that the Patriots and Cam are indeed likely to part ways in this offseason. Zach, when you look at everything as a whole, both from a Patriots perspective and from Cam's perspective, do you believe that Cam could indeed return to this team next year? Do you believe that he should return to this team next year? And if it's not should return to this team next year? And if it's not in New England, where might he end up? Because hearing what Cam had to say this week, maybe it's just me, but this does not sound like a man that's ready for retirement.

Yeah, I think Cam wants to keep playing football. I think he really went to New England to prove a lot of people wrong. Really, the Panthers organization that said that, you know, I think he took it personal when they cut. And then I think he was surprised when a bunch of teams that needed quarterbacks this offseason took their time getting around to him. Then, you know, it took a while for him to sign with the Patriots just because it doesn't really seem like the demand for him was that high.

I think he took that personal. And Cam's the kind of guy that he's not going to let that kind of thing high. I think he took that personal and cams, the kind of guy that he's not going to let that kind of thing go. He's going to go out and compete. I, I don't think he comes back to the Patriots next year. Um, I,

I hope he does selfishly. Um, but I don't think he's going to, you know, you've seen a few now I'm hesitant to say reports, but you know, Schefter went on, uh, went, went on a radio hit and, and talked about, you know, you've seen a few, now I'm hesitant to say reports, but, you know, Schefter went on a radio hit and talked about, you know, the assumption is that he's going to Washington. You know, didn't that make sense teaming up with Rivera? The two of those guys had really good chemistry in their Super Bowl run several years ago in Cam's MVP season, virtually his whole career until this season.

So that would make sense. I don't know what the demand for Cam is going to be outside of that. And you know Belichick's going to look at every situation and say, how cheap can he pay his quarterback? And it's like if he can get Cam on another prove-it kind of deal, I think that would make sense for New England. They go into this offseason with all kinds of cap room, and you've got the ability to get some guys back that opted out this year, like Adante Hightower and Pat Chung.

You get Cannon back on the offensive line, and you get more time with Cam Newton learning the offense. I think that would be a really big deal. And then maybe you go out and get a receiver. A lot of folks mocking the Patriots, getting somebody at 15th overall with that draft pick, maybe like a Kyle Pitts or something out of Florida. I'm seeing that a lot.

That excites me just thinking about that. And so maybe you do bring him back on a cheap team-friendly deal, and then you surround him with guys. And I think with what New England has been able to do defensively I think if you can get them weapons I think they're going to be able to score

points and so I could see it both ways but the question is could Cam return to the Patriots yeah I think so especially now that initial report came out and then conflicting things came out after that I definitely think I definitely think there's a chance of that. Yeah. And I mean, I would be all for it if he's coming back in an opportunity to.

He's got to help him. Absolutely. Yeah, exactly. You need to provide him with some help and not necessarily with these weapons around him. And I know a lot of fans usually like to use that on social media. We see the weapons with the Z making an appearance every now and then you see it. I do too. But really, I think it's more or less the help that Cam needs. Yes, he does need more weapons around him. He does need some supporting players that will be able to, to help him make those plays. But I think there also needs to be some help in terms of the coaching style and what this offense is going to look like. If the Patriots feel that Cam is their best option moving forward,

then they need to tailor make that offense to his strengths a little bit and play to those. Do I think that's going to happen? If I'm being honest, I think there's probably a 60-40 chance against it. But at the same time, this is going to be a very big off season for the patriots and i've said this several times here on these airwaves if they're not sure that the guy that they're willing to hitch their wagon to is out there and that they can get him whether it be via the draft trading up or drafting a guy in at 15 that they believe is the guy going forward or if they can't

swing a deal for a trade or a free agent that they believe is going to going forward, or if they can't swing a deal for a trade or a free agent that they believe is going to be their quarterback for a little while, you know, are you really better off bringing in and also ran quarterback for a rental for a year like you did this year? You know, is that leave you that much better off than what you have with Cam Newton right now? I don't think the answer to that question is yes. I think Cam Newton gives you the better shot,

especially knowing the coaching staff, having a year under his belt here and being able to build on some of the good things that he did in New England as well. So it's going to be an interesting, interesting offseason. And, Zach, Cam Newton is among 23 Patriots who are scheduled to enter unrestricted free agency in March. It's a large number. And you know who else is in that group as well? Brian Hoyer is the other quarterback that's in that list,

meaning that another player you know pretty well, Jarrett Stidham, might be the only New England quarterback currently under contract for 2021 on the day that free agency begins. For someone that looked to be primed to take the keys of the New England kingdom from Tom Brady, Stidham seems to be getting almost little to no mention for possibly being the guy in 2021. Well, what does Zach Blackerby think about Jarrett Stidham's 2020 season?

And what does he think about what it means for Stid the Kid in 2021? This and more when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Patriots fans, you've all heard the phrase, often imitated, but never duplicated. I mean, is there a better phrase to describe your favorite football team in Foxborough? Six Super Bowl titles in just under two decades? Yeah, no other NFL team in the modern era can even come close to making that claim. Only the best can provide the best.

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No sketches, no celebrity cameos, no fluff, just football every Sunday morning with hosts Cody Rourke and Ross Jackson. Follow and subscribe to Locked On Live on Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, and of course YouTube. And don't forget to turn on the notifications to be notified when the show goes live every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Break down a wild card weekend,

a preview to Sunday's matchup, and always a look ahead as the playoffs progress right on Locked On NFL. Pats fan Zach Blackerby, host of Locked On Auburn, is my guest today on Locked On Patriots. And my good man and colleague, even though the Cam Newton experience wasn't quite what we had hoped for here in New England, the fortunes of another Auburn alum didn't exactly live up to expectation either this year. And, of course, I'm talking about Jared Stidham. Before Cam came to town, it looked like the Pats were content to give the kid a shot. They didn't draft anybody.

They didn't make any free agent moves. So it looked like Stidham was going to be the guy in 2020. But once Cam arrived, it became clear that he was going to be destined for a backup role. And he, I mean, Jared Stidham. Even with Cam sparing some time on the COVID reserve list, and despite his struggles, Jared saw playing time sparingly in 2020. He only played in five games through 256 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions. Now, some will chalk that up to Jarrett not having enough practice time with the first team units.

I understand that argument, but Zach, we've both seen backups all over the league come in and lead in similar circumstances before. I can recall a certain backup coming in for a legendary quarterback and doing a pretty good job in the 2000 season. I think you all know who we're talking about, folks. But you shared a great deal of insight on Jarrett Stidham with us in the past here on Locked On Patriots. Zach, from what you've seen from him this year, is there a reason to still believe that Jarrett Stidham can be the quarterback of this team going forward? I don't think so. I mean, the traits that held him back at Auburn, he still carries with him in the NFL.

I mean, as soon as the ball snapped, he stares down his receiver, and then it takes him a while to throw the football, and he doesn't lift his elbow up. And it's just he's not super accurate when it comes down to it. I don't think he has all the arm strength in the world, and he's never really been comfortable in the pocket. I think when you put all those things together, it's like, yeah, okay, that's kind of it.

But aside from all that, and his stats were fine at Auburn, he was able to move the football, and he had a pretty good offense, and he had the SEC Offense Player of the Year, Kerryon Johnson, who's struggling to find more and more time at Detroit. But the, the big thing is, is whenever the game was on the line, it,

it, he never really put it all together to get Auburn in the end zone or into field goal range to win the game. He, he never did it. And you got to think if you are a, an NFL franchise quarterback and you have the opportunity you have the opportunity a few times um this season to come in and make something happen where something

just kind of clicks i mean you saw it with tom like you said almost 20 years ago or exactly 20 years ago he came in and he's like i'm i've got an opportunity i'm not going to give this up and you didn't see that from jared stood up and up. And you didn't see that from Jarrett Stidham. And to be fair, you don't see that from most guys that come in because it's tough. There's very few men that walk on this planet that can start and have what it takes to play quarterback in the NFL. And when you look at what Jarrett Stidham brings to the table, it's like I think there's a lot of Jarrett Stidhams out there.

And I think there's a lot of Jarrett Stidhams out there that have more experience and maybe could, you know, float you to eight wins a season a little bit better than what he's able to do. So I just don't, I don't see him really having a super long career in the NFL.

I don't know what his value is once his contract ends. And if new England wants to move on, he wants to try to get an opportunity somewhere else. I don't see, I don't see what his value is once his contract ends. And if new England wants to move on, he wants to try to get an opportunity somewhere else. I don't see, I don't see what that is moving forward. So I, um, I hate it for Stidham.

I think he's a great guy, but there were always questions, you know, how dedicated he was to the game, how much he loved football. And you kind of wonder, you know, is that kind of style fit in?

Is that kind of mindset fit in with New England long-term? And I think we all know the answer to that. Yeah, absolutely. If you're not eating, sleeping, and drinking football, Bill Belichick may not have as much confidence in you as maybe people think he should, or maybe even as the player himself thinks he should. That's an easy way to get you into Bill Belichick's doghouse. And look, I'm not saying that was the case with Jarrett.

Being in and around the team, I haven't heard anything from the team that would indicate that. But don't forget, they evaluate, they see enough of Jarrett each and every day in practice to know what they have. Bill Belichick's been evaluating quarterbacks and evaluating talent in the NFL for quite some time. You can make the argument that in terms of NFL talent, no one has done a better job of evaluating it than Bill Belichick. And if he finds reason to doubt or he finds reason to be skeptical of what this kid can do, yeah, it could mean the end of Jared in New England. But at the same time, he's still under contract. So at the very very least he probably will be

relocated to a backup role but i agree i think the days of him uh being eyed as the starter were probably over uh if they weren't i think you would have seen a little more of him this year and uh obviously even with cam struggling as mightily as he did in a couple of games patriots still felt they were better off with cam newton under center than jared stidham that should tell you something. Yeah. I mean, I'm sorry.

The patient thing, Mike, I'm sorry to cut you off, but you know, you didn't with the, with the Jarrett situation. Like it's, you know,

what makes them tick? What makes them want to go out there? Cam wants to prove people wrong. He always feels like he's doubted. We heard about Brady's chip on his shoulder for two decades. And, you know, all these great quarterbacks have a why behind it and with

Stidham even at Auburn we were like okay he's good you know he's got you know he's a he's a solid college quarterback and he had the pieces around him but it's like what what makes you go out and do those extra reps or you know spend an extra few hours in the film room or you know re-watch a game that you already know pretty well, but you know, you, you worry and you're constantly paranoid about what the other team is doing. You just want to win the day. I know that's something that Tom would say a lot when he was at the Patriots. And like, I just, I don't know. He's just not that guy. And like, he doesn't need money. His wife is like the president of the Houston Rockets. And it's like, I just, I don't under, I don't know what makes him tick and motivates him to be better.

Cause it seems like he's perfectly fine. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy that's super hungry for a championship. You heard stories about him going out the night before they played UCF and the Chick Flay Bowl years ago. You heard about him not being necessarily prepared and kind of being frustrating to some of the teammates in the locker room leading up to the SEC Champions Game in 2017. And it's just, you know, this is all hearsay.

But it's like if you don't want to win a championship and you don't want to work for your next contract to be money motivated, it's like I don't know. I just don't know what motivates you. And I think when you play quarterback or if you're an athlete in anything and you want to be better at anything, it's like you need motivation. I just don't know what it is. Yeah. And that's a very good point. I'm glad that you brought that up because in a lot of ways, Jared Stidham taking the keys to the kingdom and being the starting quarterback here in the wing land, and he's being compared to two people.

Essentially he's being compared to their two primary starters the guys that he'd be succeeding tom brady and cam newton we've already established 20 years how hard-working tom brady is in terms of living in the film room and just breaking down every option every possible uh scenario or every possible solution to a problem tom brady was always working his tail off to try to get it exactly where it needed to be. You hear about the work ethic of Cam Newton, putting in 17-hour days at times,

watching film, just, I mean, you know, not being able to see his family and just immersing himself into football and trying to learn as much as possible doesn't necessarily look good if there's a question about work ethic when you're being compared to those two players. So great insight. And I'm so glad that you shared that because I think it does lend into a little bit of what may be some of the question marks

surrounding Jared Stidham. And last but not least, buddy, you know, the Patriots have their share of questions at the quarterback position. And I've been pulling on your journalistic skills here to garner your thoughts on both Cam Newton and Jared the quarterback position. And I've been pulling on your journalistic skills here to garner your thoughts on both cam Newton and Jared Stidham. And I think you've been eloquent in both and I appreciate your candor on both, but now I'm going to give you a chance to take off that Auburn tiger journalist hat.

And I'm going to give you a chance to put on that Patriots fandom hat, maybe a Belichickian hoodie in honor of it being a winter up here in the Northeast and do a bit of prognosticating. Let's play devil's advocate for a moment. You've kind of indicated that you believe that Cam Newton and the Patriots may be headed toward parting, you know, and going their separate ways. Not final yet, folks, but just our prognostication right now. And Jarrett would probably stay in place as the backup quarterback, meaning that that's going to be his ceiling at least for 2021. Zach, where do you see the Patriots going when it comes to the starting job in 2021? And in terms of likelihood, do you think they go more draft or are they going to look for a veteran

to come in at this point and try to solidify this staff if the answer is not Cam Newton or even Jared Stidham? And they may do both, right? They may bring in a veteran guy and not want to start a rookie and kind of develop him for a few years. My plan A to me is Matthew Stafford. I think he's got several years left. My understanding, I know you have Pat's cap on a lot, and he'd be able to talk about this way more than I could,

but it seems like it's a team-friendly deal that a team would be willing to take on. It's going to be interesting to see what the Detroit Lions do with the new head coach, new GM, and we'll see how that works out. They may want to get their own guy. They're in a position to get one of these top four or five quarterbacks, so that would be fun to see. I think Stafford would be a great addition. I think he would make this team better overnight.

My plan B is I still kind of am intrigued with the potential of Sam Darnold. He was an early draft pick for a reason. I don't know if the Jets would necessarily move on from him within the division, but I would definitely attempt that. Once again, you got a new regime there as well. And then plan C for me is if you don't go that and you want somebody to start day one as a rookie, I'm drafting Mac Jones at 15.

I know it may be a little bit of a reach, but I'm really impressed with what he's been able to do. Some people have been saying Kyle Trask around that area in the mid-teens, possibly after those top four quarterbacks go. I like Mac Jones more than Kyle Trask. I mean, that guy gets it. He sees the field really well. Now, he's had really good guys to throw to,

including a Heisman Trophy winner this year. But all in all, I'm really impressed with what Mac Jones has been able to do. And I think he would fit in. We've seen Belichick go after Saban guys in the past. They tend to do really well. And yeah, those are my top three options, if it was up to me. Let the record show, folks, on January 7th, 2021, an Auburn Tiger gave a ringing endorsement to a Bama guy. No, I'm kidding. I am kidding. I will not hold you to that. But I got a lot of Bama fans that listen to this show, and I know they're going to be grinning from ear to ear. And they might even rib you a little on social media for that, buddy. But no, I agree. I agree wholeheartedly. I am impressed with what Mac Jones brings to the table. And I think he could be a good fit here in New England if he's around at that 15 range.

I don't think the Patriots would look to move up to draft a guy like Mac. But if he finds himself available at 15, I think the Patriots would be hard pressed to pass him up, especially with the Saban connection. We know that Belichick and Saban do have a synergy, and whether it makes Auburn fans uncomfortable or Bama fans extremely happy, it's there, and there's no question about it, and it's palpable. But I agree with you. I think if the Patriots do decide to move on, they may do both. They may look to bring in a young quarterback and have a guy come in that's a veteran that can mentor him, that can allow him to grow into his potential and still be able to run the quarterback position for a couple of years. You mentioned Stafford. He definitely has, quote-unquote, my sharp eye, folks.

That's a name that I would definitely keep an eye on. Darnold is someone that I would love to be able to think that the Patriots might be able to pry loose, but I think it's going to be a lot to expect that the Jets would deal him within the division. I think they're going to ask for a King's ransom and may not be what the Patriots might have to give up. I should say worth what the Patriots might have to give up just to get him in the uniform, but we'll see.

And at the very least, if Cam Newton does end up back in New England, you know, we're definitely going to have you back on here to talk about what year two may look like under Cam. But regardless, we always love having you on, Zach. You're always insightful, spot on, and candid, and that's something that we love in our guests here. Expect nothing less from the colleagues that we bring on here on the Locked On Podcast Network. But for the benefit of our listeners or any of our new listeners, I should say, because you are a repeat guest, you're becoming part of the family here on Lockdown Patriots.

But for the benefit of those new listeners that we have, please let everyone know where they can find you on social media, where they can find your great work and what you have coming up on the horizon, both on Lockdown Auburn and in all of your other endeavors as well. Yeah, sure, man. I always appreciate the invite. Happy to talk a little Patriots. Not a whole lot of people down here want to talk about that.

So that's always fun. You can follow me on social media. Just search Z Blackerby at Z Blackerby on Twitter and Locked on Auburn, just like all the other Locked on podcasts, like Locked on Patriots, available wherever you get your podcasts. And I mean, the kind of thing that we're focusing on down here right now is Auburn hired a new head coach. And as we were recording this, they actually just hired an offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator in like the last hour or so.

So we'll talk about that as he fills out his new staff. And yeah, it's going to be a whole lot of fun. A lot of a lot of news happening down here on the plains. If you guys are into that sort of thing. Absolutely, folks. And if you are a college football fan and if you are just a fan in general of great podcasting, great radio, and just intriguing shows week after week, day after day, Zach puts on a tremendous show with Locked On Auburn. Whether you're a fan or whether you're a Bama person that might be a little bit of a hater,

this is a great listen because it's so insightful and so spot on. I love the way you covered the coaching hire, and I'm looking forward to seeing the type of coverage or listening to the type of coverage that you'll have as the staff gets rounded out and you guys amp up for the 2021 season as well. Buddy, what can I say? Happy New Year again. Continue to stay safe.

Continue to stay well. And we look forward to having you back on here on Locked On Patriots to talk football and maybe some Auburn Tigers mixed into that Patriots mix once again the next time you join us. Mike, thank you so much, bud. Anytime, buddy. Take it easy. And just like that, Patriots Nation, we are almost through the first full week of 2021

here on Locked On Patriots. And to close out the week in style here on the pod, we will continue to talk potential when it comes to the Patriots and their offseason plans heading into the 2021 season. And because Fridays are a day to tell it like it is, I will be joined by a guest tomorrow who does that as well or better than anyone else in the business. My good friend, the incomparable Tonya Rae Fox joins me here as we leave no stone unturned in talking about the Patriots' performance on both sides of the ball and in the coaching booth in 2020 and what it means for the team's future in 2021.

So to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, subscribe to and follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure you're staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend Zach Blackerby for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod.

But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for making Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, and for making Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.