EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is unwilling to name his starting quarterback for the regular season opener on Sept. 12 against the Miami Dolphins.
“No, we still have a lot of decisions to make,” Belichick said after Sunday night’s 22-20 win over the New York Giants in the preseason finale.
Veteran Cam Newton started Sunday and played two series, all with the headlines. Rookie Mac Jones relieved him and played deep in the third quarter, all with backups.
This could be a disagreement in the direction Belichick is leaning, and Jones – the Alabama first-round pick (15th overall) – is gearing up for what unfolds.
“As I always say, I’m focused on today. I think there are a lot of things I can clean up. I’ve kept the ball a little too long at some points today. I’m going to work on that … I’m here to play any role that I can play, help in any way I can and I will be ready whenever my time comes, ”Jones said after finishing 10 of 14 for 156 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions.
Newton, who was 2 of 5 for 10 yards with an interception on Sunday, was not available to answer questions after the game. He has not addressed reporters since the “misunderstanding” of the COVID-19 protocol that led him to miss three internships last week.
Therefore, the post-game media focus shone more on Jones.
“I learned at an early age, you just have to prepare as the headline. You don’t have to be the first, but get ready, get into your routine,” he said. “That’s what the coach talked about today. We’ll be back at this stage [Sept. 19 against the New York Jets] and that is what I did. This is how you can enter a stream “.
Jones finished preseason 36 of 52 for 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He was sacked four times in Sunday’s final after being sacked only once in the previous two preseason games.
Asked if he feels he’s done enough to be a starter, he said, “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to play and I can improve on everything. I think just learning from [Brian] Hoyer, Cam, Jarrett [Stidham], and listening [offensive coordinator] Josh [McDaniels] and your coach, there is a lot of work to be done. I think I’ve moved on. But honestly, the only thing that matters is today. “
Newton started all preseason games, but hasn’t played as much overall, going 14-21 for 162 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception.
Jones referred to Newton as a “mentor” on Sunday night and explained a moment on the sidelines that was picked up on the TV show, in which Newton chased him down the side until congratulate him.
“He showed me the video [after the game]”Said Jones.” I didn’t hear him or see him, and then I said, “Oh, my bad!” But this is Cam for you. He is happy. He’s a great teammate, so I’m happy to be in the same room as him and learn from him because he’s a great guy. ”
Throughout the preseason, Belichick has reiterated that Newton is the starting quarterback, but has also said that, like players in any position, he must reset that position throughout the preseason. Belichick has also said there could be a change in any position if someone performs better than the start or if the start is not available.
Belichick asked last week at what point he should move from an animated quarterback competition to having a starter and giving that player the most replays for the season opener. I’m not sure “.