The New England Patriots‘ quarterback competition is by far the most intriguing in the NFL right now.
Cam Newton ran the Patriots offense last season in the first year without Tom Brady in Foxborough since 1999. He garnered mixed reviews. The passing game was almost non-existent in most games as Newton struggled to push the ball down the field. He wound up completing 65.8 percent of his throws for 2,657 yards and eight touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 15 games in which the Patriots went 7-8.
Despite an underwhelming performance in 2020, the Patriots re-signed Newton to a one-year deal. They then went out and took Mac Jones with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. What Newton struggles with (downfield accuracy and velocity) at this point in his career are actually some of Jones’ greatest strengths. It’s no surprise some believe Jones could eventually replace Newton as the starter at some point during the 2021 campaign.
Former NFL great Keyshawn Johnson addressed the Patriots’ quarterback battle during Friday’s edition of Get Up. Despite rumors suggesting Jones is starting to catch up to Newton on the depth chart, Johnson thinks Newton has the job in the bag.
“This somewhat of a manufactured media story as far as I’m concerned,” Johnson said. “…CLEARLY Cam Newton’s the starter. … [Mac Jones] is not pushing him. He really isn’t.”
.@keyshawn doesn’t think there’s any QB competition in New England 😶
“This somewhat of a manufactured media story as far as I’m concerned. …CLEARLY Cam Newton’s the starter. … [Mac Jones] is not pushing him. He really isn’t.” pic.twitter.com/QKh3TzDuco
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 20, 2021
This is probably a bit of a stretch. Bill Belichick is going to play the best player, regardless of seniority. If Mac Jones gives the Patriots the best chance at winning, he’ll get the start.
So far, Cam Newton looks to be the guy, though. He was excellent against the Philadelphia Eagles during Thursday night’s preseason game.
Jones has one more preseason game to try and impress the Pats’ coaching staff ahead of the 2021 regular season.
The post Keyshawn Johnson Thinks The Patriots QB Battle Is “Clear” appeared first on The Spun.
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