Cam Newton claims Bill Belichick hasn’t told him who’ll start for Patriots
As the 2021 season inches closer, the New England Patriots remain without an official starting quarterback named.
Head coach Bill Belichick hasn’t indicated when the decision will be made. It’s left Cam Newton to field questions concerning his status with the role.
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“No. You know he hasn’t said that. So for you to just ask that question, you know, it is what it is,” Newton said after the Patriots’ practice with the Philadelphia Eagles at the NovaCare Complex via ESPN. “Every single day, I’m coming out here with the anticipation to just get better, and that’s the only thing that I can do. So I can control that.”
Belichick may not have named a starter, but Newton should continue to hold a leg up in the competition. He has the benefit of an entire season under his belt in the system.
Read: Bill Belichick Plays Down First Team VS Second Team Conversation
However, his performance in the preseason opener didn’t suggest he gained any separation for the starting job. Newton completed 4-of-7 passes for 49 yards in 12 snaps over two drives.
Meanwhile, rookie Mac Jones received more run, playing five series, where he completed 13-of-19 passes for 87 yards on 33 snaps over five series. Jones demonstrated poise under center while avoiding making poor decisions on his throws.
Since the game, Newton continues to take snaps with the first team in training and through the preseason. The continued uncertainty shouldn’t surprise him as he struggled last season to find his footing, likely leading Belichick to want to see more out of him in practice and preseason action.
