New England Patriots: Cam Newton Or Mac Jones?

After a tough 2020, the New England Patriots look to be headed back in the right direction. Signing Cam Newton to a new deal and drafting Mac Jones. Clearly, Newton is a placeholder while they develop the rookie, but the real question is, just how long is he holding that place?

So far in the preseason, the two quarterbacks have been pretty close to even. The offense doesn’t seem to slow down no matter who is under center so do the Patriots start the rookie or the veteran QB?

The Case for Cam

Cam Newton has been in the NFL long enough to have faced all sorts of defenses. He’s been to the Super Bowl, has had multiple playoff appearances, and has faced future Hall of Famers. Veteran leadership is what makes good teams great. If New England wants to get back to winning Super Bowls then they have to go with the veteran. It’s not just about big plays and the Patriots. They have to keep up with the rest of the division that is looking to end their dynasty.

More NFL: Recapping Rookie QB’s Preseason Week 1

The Case For Mac

The Pats rewarded Cam after a bad season and it seems like he has bounced back. The only problem is, you have to think beyond this season, Sure Cam Newton looks like his old self, for now, but he hasn’t stood out from the rookie. Belichick and company have to realize that and the obvious choice would be to start Mac Jones. If he’s doing just as well as Newton, why not let the rookie come in and start developing long-lasting chemistry with his receivers and offense. Let him take over as the leader of the team. Then if he pressure mounts, you have Newton as a backup plan.

Of course, you have to worry about what that will do to his confidence, but he didn’t come from a small market college. Athletes at Alabama are used to the next-man-up looking over their shoulder. They know if they don’t keep their head in it and grind, there’s always someone knocking on their door. Jones is the future and why not accelerate his success?

The Patriots might not be the dominant force they once were, but they’re not far off either. With the right calls being made, fans who expected them to fade away will be sadly disappointed.