Ever since they surprisingly traded Jimmy Garoppolo in the middle of the 2017 season, the New England Patriots have been searching for their next possible quarterback of the future. Rookie Jarrett Stidham made a strong first impression in Thursday's preseason opener that it could be him.
Entering the Patriots' 31-3 win over the Detroit Lions midway through the second quarter and playing the rest of the way, Stidham showed poise and command in finishing 14-of-24 for 179 yards with one touchdown. The fourth-round pick from Auburn delivered two beautiful long passes that would have improved his stat line, but both were dropped by receiver Maurice Harris,
"I had a great time," said Stidham, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday on Thursday.