The Future is now.
Shocking news this morning.
I thought for sure Belichick would be starting the season with Cam Newton under center. I have to admit. A lot of that was based on how Cam Newton has been treated during his time here in New England. That is to say like a spoiled prince who could do no wrong. We all wondered how Belichick could continue trotting Newton out there at the end of the season last year with a 4th round pick in Stidham sitting on the bench. Once the playoffs were not a possibility wouldn’t you want to see what you had with the kid? Newton was never supposed to be a long term option, but it seemed he made a deal with the hooded devil.
Fast forward to the offseason and the decision to bring him back, the 1st team reps he was given all camp, his COVID “misunderstanding”. The tea leaves read Cam would start the season and we would see how far we would get. So what prompted the sudden move?
The first thing on the list has to be Mac Jones’ play.
As mentioned in the blog link above and in the recent podcasts, Mac Jones has been the better quarterback in camp. He rose to every occasion put in front of him and has learned quickly from his mistakes. He was the highest graded QB in the pre season not just of his rookie counter parts, but of all QB’s per PFF. And frankly just looked the part. Let’s be clear. In a pure QB battle, Mac Jones won this job. But, it’s never cut and dry, especially in the NFL, especially with the Patriots.
I hate to go all COVID on you, but this has to be mentioned. Mac Jones was given a golden opportunity to shine in the joint practices vs the Giants because Cam Newton has a COVID Protocol “misunderstanding”. And shine he did with 18 consecutive passes, multiple TD’s and an over all control of the offense.
But, where many people thought this would end the competition, Cam Newton was right back with the 1’s on that Thursday and right back under center to start the game on Sunday. Again, all signs pointed to Cam as QB1. Maybe Bill just thought Mac wasn’t quit ready one way or another. But, everyone was asking the same question. How could a team rely on an unvaccinated starting QB with the strict rules the NFL had put in place for non vaccinated players? There is no way this didn’t factor into Belichick’s decision. I would go so far as to put my tin foil hat on and ask the question,
“Did Belichick ask Cam Newton to get the vaccine?
Did he refuse?
Did that cost him his job?”
Cam Newton getting released after not being named the starter is the least surprising part of this. Based on the relationship we saw between Belichick and Cam it would not surprise me one bit if they had a hand shake deal to let him hit the market if he wasn’t the starter. Cam Newton is not a back up QB in my mind or in his.
So, the Mac Jones Era officially begins. Excitement is filling the air. There is certainly a ton of upside here and the unknown of a young promising QB is not something we here in New England have felt in nearly 20 years. I would caution to pump the breaks a bit though. Mac is going to have more than a few fuck ups along the way. Let’s all just pray the kid stays healthy. Brian Hoyer, love ya bud, but the KC Red Zone Red Wedding last season was all we needed to see and Jarrett Stidham well, sigh. Head on a swivel Mac.
P.S. Jimmy Garoppolo’s deal is guaranteed at 4PM today and Trey Lance has been getting a serious rub and tug treatment from the 49ers. Eye balls emoji.