Former Patriots linebacker says Mac Jones was helping Cam Newton learn New England playbook

The New England Patriots are slated to open the 2021 regular season on Sunday and will do so with rookie Mac Jones as the starting quarterback. It was a rather shocking development at the start of last week as the Patriots opted to cut the 2020 Cam Newton starter after a summer where it emerged the veteran had the inside track at work in Week 1. Although the Newton’s exit was a marvel, it had virtually nothing to do with Jones playing throughout the preseason which was very promising for what was to unfold over the next few months. In fact, a former Patriots linebacker once again raised the curtain on Jones’ rushed passage to QB1 and could also have revealed why the team chose to take out Newton.

While speaking on The Dan and Ninko podcast, former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich said Jones is helping Newton learn offense throughout points this summer.

“From what I understand now, Mac was basically helping Cam learn the playbook,” Ninkovich said, via WEEI.com. “So imagine that. Learn that. Learn that right away. Absorb it. Learn it. Because Mac had fewer mental mistakes, that’s what ME is in football, mental mistakes. He had. less mental errors by having a better understanding of offense. We haven’t seen Cam run for two minutes. We haven’t seen him run without a caucus.… You have to run without a caucus. It’s vital. “

The Patriots have appeared to lead Jones in a situational fashion throughout the preseason, deploying haste at various points and seeing what the No. 15 overall pick can do in a two-minute drill before halftime to many. times. Newton didn’t see such use during the preseason, which seems to have been an indicator of how things were going out of sight.

Whether or not Ninkovich’s claims are true about Jones giving Newton points on the playbook, the rookie has shown solid offensive mastery, which is pretty impressive considering the Patriots have a tough offense. to grab.

This preseason, Jones completed 36 of his 52 passes for 389 yards and one touchdown while Newton completed 14 of his 21 for 162 yards, one score and one interception.

The Mac Jones era in New England began after the stunning release of Cam Newton. How will the rookie fare this season and what does that mean for the rest of the Patriots players? Download the CBS Sports app discover! Plus, get a sneak peek from our resident Patriots insider Tyler Sullivan. If you already have the CBS Sports app, be sure to pick the Patriots as your favorite team for the latest news.