Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarett Stidham shocked viewers of Sunday’s game as he put on an impressive performance against the NFL’s top-ranked defense. The 26-year-old replacement for Derek Carr had a good game with a 67.65% completion rate, 365 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. It should be noted that players in the locker room were unsurprised postgame. They’ve known since training camp that Stidham has the ability to be a starter if given the chance. Head coach Josh McDaniels was quick to sing the praises of his new quarterback as well.
Josh McDaniels has high praise for the Raiders’ new QB
“I think he gets along really well with everybody. He’s a very honest guy and works really hard. Loves football. [He] puts in a lot of time and is one of the last guys to leave the building. No doubt about it. Willing to help the minute he got here,” said head coach Josh McDaniels in a recent transcript. Players like defensive end Maxx Crosby, running back Josh Jacobs, and wide receiver Davante Adams said Stidham did what they knew he could. Regardless of the outcome, the young quarterback made a good impression with both the players and fans.
Stidham looked more like a starter than a temporary replacement. However, that is to be expected as he was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019, when McDaniels, general manager Dave Ziegler, and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi were also there. Despite a nail-biting loss, there were many positives that came from his performance. The quarterback looked cool, calm, and collected just as McDaniels said he is and managed to keep the offensive morale high throughout the game.
Jarrett Stidham has a been “team player” since the offseason
One trait that McDaniels praised was Stidham’s helpfulness throughout the season. “You’re trying to compete to win a job and play and all that, but you’re willing to take time to help others. I think everybody has seen him do that from the minute he got here,” said McDaniels in the same transcript. “And I think there were a lot of people yesterday who were happy that he had an opportunity and then made the most of it.”
Raider Nation seemed split over the decision, though. Some people felt that the organization didn’t show Carr enough respect. According to them, that would’ve included him finishing the season. People who are more in tune with the business side of things said the decision was made in order to keep No. 4 healthy. Why, you ask? So the Raiders can discuss trades with other teams without paying him his full contract. Other theories include McDaniels withholding certain play-calling decisions because he wanted to save them for Stidham because of their relationship and time in New England. That, or he just didn’t trust Carr enough. As we said, this is speculation since McDaniels hasn’t outright said any of this.
Whatever the case is, the team itself doesn’t seem to have a problem, and that chemistry is what matters for the next game and any future seasons. So far, the future looks bright for Jarrett Stidham.
*Top Photo: NFL.com