Most NFL pundits assume that Cam Newton will become the Patriots’ starting quarterback and that seems correct.
But as been Bill Belichick’s approach throughout his entire career as inarguably the greatest coach in NFL history, he had this to say Friday about the QB position:
“That spot is the same as all the other spots on the team. We have a long way to go. We’ll see how things turn out,” Belichick said Friday in his first public remarks since Newton signed with the team. “I can’t control how players perform; that’s up to them. We’ll give everyone an opportunity and see what happens. I don’t know.”
Newton is a former league MVP and he’s only 31. Plus, reports say he’s looking good and feeling good. After the departure of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, the Pats did the right research in seeking out his replacement.
“We spent quite a bit of time with Cam, [had] a number of different people, and a number of different conversations, just trying to see how the fit would be. It was very positive on our end. I’m glad it worked out,” Belichick said.
Newton is on just a one-year contract, so we’ll see how this goes, as he competes with not-household-names Jarrett Stidham, a fellow Auburn alum, Brian Hoyer, an 11-year veteran, and undrafted free agent Brian Lewerke.
Not a real reach, but I’m going with the awes of Newton’s physical skills and saying he’s the starter on Week 1.