FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Quarterback Cam Newton is scheduled to start Monday night against the New England Patriots against the Buffalo Bills, except for an unexpected change, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Newton’s status, and the possibility of the Patriots turning to Jarrett Stidham, focused more intensely after New England were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday.
The Patriots (6-8) haven’t gotten any touchdowns in their last two games and coach Bill Belichick acknowledged Monday that the team would “evaluate what the chances are” to give some younger players more experience. When asked if Stidham would fall into that category, Belichick said, “We’ll see,” adding that he didn’t see the team’s struggles as specific to any player.
“We have a lot of questions about the team that we need to answer, so I think that will be the most important thing [and] start from a bigger point of view, ”Belichick said then.
Two days later, after Belichick and his staff went through meetings to discuss some of these questions, Belichick seemed less open to a quarterback and retired when the issue was addressed.
“We don’t answer that question every day,” he said. “How about I let you know if we’re going to make a change?”
Newton is 216 of 328 for 2,381 yards, with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, while adding 489 rushing yards in 122 runs, with 11 touchdowns.
Stidham, who had been considered the top contender to replace Tom Brady last season, before Newton signed a one-year deal on July 8, has played in moderation in the mop-up service. He has 18 of 33 for 212 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the weekly media availability was held last Saturday, said: “Cam has done a great job of preparation this week.”
McDaniels said Belichick would make any possible changes and would honor any choice. Of Stidham, McDaniels said, “I’ve seen a lot of Jarrett in practice. I see him every day. I see him for two years. I’m sure I understand where Jarrett is in his development.”