NFL Power Rankings 2019: Raiders have helmet issues, Browns hype grows
By Randy Gurzi
2. New England Patriots (2)
Every year, the preseason brings us one very important storyline — the New England Patriots never-ending search for the heir to Tom Brady. This season, the contestant on that reality show is none other than Jarrett Stidham out of Auburn.
A fourth-round pick, Stidham made his debut as he backed up Brian Hoyer and was pretty good. He finished 14-of-24 with 179 yards and a touchdown, which has people talking.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
The only issue is, Tom Brady is never retiring. He just keeps going and age has yet to affect him, so the obvious conclusion is he will play for another two decades.
In all seriousness, the Patriots are still one of the most well-rounded teams in the game. They did lose tight end Rob Gronkowski, but their selection of wide receiver N’Keal Harry in the first round didn’t get as much love as it deserved. They’ve also seen Jakobi Myers stepping up in camp and he continued that by pulling in two touchdowns in the preseason opener.
On the other side of the ball, they stole Michael Bennett and got a bargain when they brought Jamie Collins back who they traded to the Browns back in 2016 and then signed when he was released. There’s also rookie Chase Winovich who registered 1.5 sacks against Detroit.
They’re the defending champions for a reason and will be in the mix when we get to the end of January, just like they always are.