Patriots QB Competition Thoughts

Cam or Mac?

Mac or Cam?

We're getting close to finding out that answer.

After an offseason in which Bill Belichick stated that Cam Newton was his starter and a preseason in which Newton was treated like the starter, all signs pointed to the ten-year veteran being the starter in Week 1 when the Patriots hosted the Dolphins.

But then Newton left the Patriots facility for a medical appointment - although there is significant doubt that Newton actually was out of Foxboro for a medical reason - and due to his status as an unvaccinated player he had to sit out five days of practice.

Belichick and the Patriots put out a statement on the absence which said that Newton had permission to leave, that he did not violate team rules, and the five day absence caused by his leaving was a misunderstanding.  Belichick refused questions about Newton's absence yesterday after practice.

In Newton's absence Jones handled all of the first team reps, including the first of two joint practices with the New York Giants.  By all media accounts, Jones played very well.  Several of his teammates also sang the rookie's praises, including wide receiver who stated that Jones made the team, "... a real team."

I believe Belichick will hand the reigns to Jones.  He has always played the players that he believes give the team their best chance to win and of all of the abilities that Belichick values in his players the most critical is availability.

Jones has performed well in practices and the team's first two preseason games and certainly acquitted himself when taking command in Newton's (self inflicted) absence.  

Newton is also a risk to miss additional time due to Covid protocols because he has not had the vaccine.  Could you imagine Belichick trusting the most important position on the field to a player who could be taken out of the lineup at any time when he has Jones waiting in the wings?

This is not a bold prediction that Jones will light the league on fire and become an immediate MVP candidate.  He will have as many downs as ups in his rookie season.  But his upside as the long term solution at the position, coupled with Newton's uncertain status, make Jones the choice to be the team's starter.