When New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was considering how to proceed with the team's backup quarterback spot prior to the 2019 season, preseason games were critical in his analysis.
Tom Brady was locked into the top spot, with Brian Hoyer providing veteran insurance and fourth-round draft pick Jarrett Stidham offering developmental upside. Would Belichick keep all three on the 53-man roster? Or would Stidham show enough to assume the often overlooked but critically important No. 2 job?
If not for preseason games, Belichick's final decision -- elevating Stidham and releasing Hoyer -- might have been different.