I really liked Stidham. His stat line won't look good because of the Jules pick, but the second INT was a "down 2 TDs with 3:30 left... I need to take a shot" pick that you can live with. In the first quarter, it would have been inexcusable (IMO) . I can't remember the last time the Pats successfully threw a fade near the goal line, so that was good to see. I liked that they were able to run, when everyone knew that they were going to run.... that should serve them well come trying to protect a 6 point lead with 5:00 left in a game this season My feed was about 45 seconds behind "live", so I received a few "What was he [usually Hoyer] thinking??" texts, that allowed me to brace myself for an upcoming disaster.
Finally... I generally scoff and laugh at the "the refs are in the bag for....." comments. But after last night... not only the fumble/pick whatever play. (ended up being 60? yards of field position lost), there was a Pats player tackled out of bounds, flag thrown.... then picked up. Because...reasons. Mahomes scrambles OB, and then slips on the sideline, and that 15 yarder is called.
I don't know the last time that I felt this encouraged about a loss. Even after week 2 there were some concerns about the D, though Wilson is playing otherworldly right now. I would imagine Stidham gets 1st team reps this week, unless Cam is cleared.