The Patriots made one of the most surprising moves of the summer when they elected to release 2020 starter Cam Newton in the midst of cutdown day across the NFL. Throughout the preseason, it appeared as if Newton would man the starting job to begin the 2021 regular season until first-round rookie Mac Jones was ready. Well, Jones apparently didn’t need any more time to marinate and is now slated to begin the year as New England’s starter.
What should be expected from the rookie? Who better to ask than the guy he beat out for the job, right? During his tell-all YouTube video “Funky Friday,” Newton expressed confidence in the Patriots’ chances with Jones under center.
“They’re going to win football games with Mac Jones,” Newton said, as transcribed by WEEI.com.
Jones showed a strong grasp of New England’s offense this preseason, completing 36 of his 52 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown. The coaching staff also seemed to put Jones through a number of situational tests (hurry-up, two-minute drill, etc.) throughout the preseason, which he also performed well at. Meanwhile, Newton countered by completing 14 of his 21 throws for 162 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Newton said he would have embraced a backup role to Jones but acknowledged his presence could’ve proven to be a distraction.
“The reason why they released me was because indirectly, I was going to be a distraction — without being the starter,” Newton said. “Just my aura. That’s my gift. That’s my curse. When you bring a Cam Newton to your facility, when you bring Cam Newton to your franchise, people are interested.
“The truth of the matter is this: He would’ve been uncomfortable. He would’ve. And they knew, and it comes by mere fact of me being me.”
That’s likely a fair assessment on Newton’s part. Having someone of his stature as a former league MVP looming on the bench may not bode well for a young quarterback trying to establish himself as the starter. In any event, the Patriots have now made their choice with Jones and will begin this new era Sunday when they take on the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. As for Newton, he still believes there are not 32 quarterbacks better than him in the NFL. He’ll still look for an opportunity to start somewhere across the league.
The Mac Jones era in New England has begun following the stunning release of Cam Newton. How will the rookie fare this season and what does it mean for the rest of the Patriots’ players? Download the CBS Sports app to find out! Plus, get insight from our resident Patriots insider, Tyler Sullivan. If you already have the CBS Sports app, make sure to pick the Patriots as your favorite team for up-to-the-minute news.
