Limiting what coach Bill Belichick described as a “good week,” Cam Newton appeared to bolster his position as New England Patriots starting quarterback in a 35-0 win over host Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. at Lincoln Financial Field.
Newton started and finished 8 of 9 for 103 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions, playing three sets before rookie Mac Jones took over.
Jones, the University of Alabama’s first-round pick, was also productive in passing 13 of 19 for 146 yards in four sets, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
“Cam, Mac, everyone, I think we’re getting better every day,” said receiver Jakobi Meyers, who took a 28-yard pass from Newton in the first quarter. “Last year [Cam] got the short end of the stick, only to have to be thrown into the situation without preseason and all. Not trying to excuse him or anything, but I think this year is definitely a leap forward and I think we all grow as an offense. “
Belichick has said several times that Newton is the starter, but added that any time Jones is ready to challenge and compete, he would evaluate it when it happens.
Jones is challenging and competitive as his initial drive early in the second quarter Thursday night covered 17 plays, 91 yards and chewed 9:04 of the clock before culminating in a 1-yard touchdown from rookie Rhamondre Stevenson. It was a difficult place for him to get into the game early in the second quarter, sunk into his territory and a 19-yard connection with receiver N’Keal Harry on the third and the 13th started the march.
“I’ve been around Mac long enough to know it’s not really a surprise,” said Meyers, who added three catches over 56 yards. “That was the expectation when they drafted it.”
The Eagles didn’t play most of their defensive headlines, while the Patriots had most of their first players during the first quarter and had a level of familiarity with the opponent to play against them two days before the week.
Asked about Newton’s sophomore year with the Patriots, and if he’s still learning about him, Belichick warned against making declarative statements because “the season is pretty early here.” But he did acknowledge, “I think we’re moving forward.”
Newton, who handed two footballs to the stands in the stands after the touchdowns and said he expects many more deliveries throughout the season, said that outside of a late Stevenson fight “it was virtually a flawless night offensively “.
The Patriots will train with the New York Giants next Wednesday and Thursday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before traveling to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to play them in their preseason finale on August 29th.