Jarrett Stidham and N’Keal Harry will both head into 2020 with high expectations.
Both second-year players were drafted by the New England Patriots and will have substantial roles in keeping the offense afloat. The way things stand currently, Stidham will likely be Tom Brady’s replacement — bringing immense pressure to a developing NFL quarterback. The Patriots haven’t done much work to their wide receiver corps, putting Harry in a top role along with Julian Edelman and Mohamed Sanu.
Typically, players use the offseason to train and prepare for the coming season. Due to the coronavirus, players and staff are forced to find unique ways to prepare. Harry caught up with NFL.com’s Steve Wyche and explained how the young Patriots will adjust this offseason.
“I talked to Stidham the other day to make sure we read the (passing game) script,” Harry said. “If this goes on for a long time and there is no offseason training or OTAs, we’re going to have to meet up and get to work.”
Harry spent half the season on the injured reserve list in 2019 and only caught 12 passes. He was the only wide receiver drafted by the Patriots under Bill Belichick in the first round and expectations were extremely high last season.
The adjustment will be tough for all athletes, but it’s a positive sign knowing that Harry and Stidham are finding ways to work through it.
