Bill Belichick reiterates Cam Newton as New England Patriots starting QB, but will assess ‘the whole picture’

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said on Saturday that Cam Newton is the team’s starting quarterback – repeating what he said in April when the team drafted Mac Jones to the first round – but also left open the possibility that things could change if Newton struggles in training camp.

“We’re going to look at the whole situation,” Belichick said. “I don’t think you want to assess players at any position over a game or two, or maybe someday. So from a consistency point of view, that’s always important. And obviously production. So hopefully these things will be good, and I’m sure it’s going to be a tough decision.

“We’ll see how it goes. Let them play, and [we’ll] try to do what we think is best for the team based on their performance. “

When asked if he has an ideal time frame to name a starter to prepare for the regular season, Belichick seemed to dismiss the premise of the question.

“No,” he replied. “I mean, Cam is our starting quarterback. I think I said so.”

In essence, Belichick seemed to be saying that as long as Newton doesn’t have a noticeable drop, he’ll be under center when the team host the Miami Dolphins in the regular season opener on September 12. remarks early on in training camp when he said all players, including quarterbacks, had a clean slate and needed to earn their place.

“That’s right, everyone is starting from scratch. This also goes for a lot of other players who I’m sure in your mind you think are starters, and maybe they are starters. and they will probably be starters, but they all have to restore their positions, ”he said on Saturday. “It’s general for the whole team. It’s not just about one person or one position.”

In four practices at training camp, Newton did all of the best reps, followed by Jones.

Newton said on Friday he sees it as a competition.

“Since I’ve been here, there has been quarterback competition,” he said. “I think, in essence, that’s the underlying Patriot Way. Every position has competition there, and the quarterback is no different.”