In trying to read the English Breakfast leaves:
1. The Patriots' actions to date seems to indicate that they like Stidham on his rookie contract better than other available options, including a 43 year old Brady at 25 million.
2. They eventually (knock on wood) will have to play games, so why would Bill want to artificially inflate expectations of Stidham if they're not true. If anything Bill likes to downplay expectations and keep players' egos in check.
3. Which is why I assume that the official leaked Bill company line was served up by Mike Lombardi after Tod McShay crapped all over Stidham. Radio jocks just focused on the "Not all in" quote, but if you read/listen to the entire interview Lombardi's talking points were that Stidham was much better than what McShay thinks and that the Patriots were keeping there options open and not guaranteeing anything to Stidham as he hasn't proven anything yet and he needs to earn it.
4. So, I believe at least the tenor of the positive vibes being leaked are true.
5. All of which leads me to believe that Bill is comfortable giving Stidham a chance, and is expecting to at least compete in 2020.
