Analyst Predicts a Bolder New England Patriots Team Without Tom Brady

Tom Brady was a regular presence in the New England Patriots offense ever since his draft in 2000. However, earlier this year the 42-year-old elected to take his talents down south to Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a result of this, the fear factor amongst teams visiting the Gilette stadium will be diminished due to the void left at quarterback. Their confidence will be at an all-time high as they face Tom Brady’s replacement. 

However, it remains to be seen who it will be once the NFL season kicks off in September.

Analyst Opens up on New England Patriots quarterback situation 

On ESPN’s Get Up, Rob Ninkovich said, “I think Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1 and I say that because the quarterback position is one of the most important for reps under center, seeing defensive looks, looking at coverage, understanding the offense.”

He explains his choice by saying there is no mini-camp or practice to help the sophomore Jarrett Stidham get up to speed. 

“Look, they’re not practicing right now. There’s no minicamp, there’s no offseason, there’s no training camp. We don’t know when that’s going to happen.”

“So if you have a veteran quarterback who has been in the system, understands what to expect what an NFL season is like, you’re gonna want to go with a guy who has the veteran leadership. Also what it takes to be in that building. Look, when you’re a second-year player, you really don’t realize what a season’s like as a starter. You don’t understand what it’s going to take, and not having an offseason does not help. So, Brian Hoyer will be the starter Week 1.”

The New England Patriots did not draft a single quarterback at the virtual draft. Belichick said it is not by design. This seemingly indicated that he had plans to draft one if he could. However, he is passing up on established free agents too. 

Could this mean that he backs the 23-year-old? The New England Patriots releasing Brian Hoyer as Tom Brady’s backup in 2019 in favor of Stidham does lend weight to the theory. 

Do you agree with Ninkovich’s bold prediction about Hoyer getting the nod to start the season? Or will Stidham be the one collecting the snaps and leading the offense come September?