EAST RUTHERFORD (N.J.) -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has yet to name his starting quarterback for their regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept 12.
After Sunday's 22-20 victory over the New York Giants, Belichick stated that "No, there are still a lot to decide,"
Veteran Cam Newton began on Sunday. He played two series with the starters. Rookie Mac Jones replaced him and played into the third quarter with all the backups.
This could indicate Belichick's direction, and Jones (15th overall) is preparing to take on whatever happens.
"Like I always say: I'm focused today. There's so much I can do. At times, I was a bit too slow with the ball today. Jones finished 10-of-14 for just 156 yards with one touchdown.
Newton was 2-of-5 (10 yards) with one interception Sunday. He was not available for questions after the game. Since the COVID-19 protocol "misunderstanding", which caused him to miss three practice sessions last week, Newton has not spoken to reporters.
Jones was the shining star in post-game media spotlight
"I learned early that you should prepare as a starter. He said that you don't need to be the starter but it is important to prepare and get into your routine. Coach spoke about this today. We'll be back in the stadium [Sept. 19 against New York Jets] and it's a lot like what I did. This is how you can get in a flow.
Jones completed the preseason on 36-of-52, for 389 yards and one touchdown. After being sacked once in each of the preseason games, Jones was sacked four more times in Sunday's final.
When asked if he felt like he was good enough to be the starter, Hoyer replied: "I have had a lot of opportunities to participate, and I can improve on everything." It's not enough to learn from [Brian] Hoyer and Cam. Jarrett [Stidham] is a great coach. I feel like I have made some progress. The only thing that matters most is today.
Newton was the preseason's first starter, but he hasn’t been as active overall. He went 14-of-21 for 162 yard, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Jones called Newton a mentor on Sunday night and explained that Newton was following him down the sideline in a congratulatory moment.
Jones stated that Jones showed him the video after the game. Jones said, "I didn’t hear him or see him and then I was like, ‘Oh, my sorry! Cam, that's Cam for me. He is happy. He's a great friend, so it's great to be with him.
Belichick reiterated that Newton is the starting quarterback throughout the preseason. However, he also stated that, just like any other player at any position in the league, he must regain that standing during the preseason. Belichick also stated that there may be a change in any position if someone performs well than the starter, or the starter isn’t available.
When Belichick was asked last week when he needed to transition from spirited quarterback competition to having an established starter and giving the most repetitions to that player for the season opener, he said that he didn't have a timeline. I don't know."
