The Patriots got their QB of the future after drafting Alabama QB Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick. But Jones will have to compete with Cam Newton before he becomes the successor to the Brady era in New England. However, Newton is not feeling any animosity towards his teammate despite the comparisons.
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Newton had a rough first season in Foxborough. Cam Newton signed with the Patriots in July of last year, for a minimum contract laden with incentives. As a passer, the Auburn alum completed 66 percent of his passes but threw for only eight touchdowns. With 10 interceptions, he finished the year with a negative TD: INT ratio for the first time in his career.
Despite a bad season as a passer, Bill Belichick and the Patriots renamed Newton as the team’s starter for Week 1 for 2021. But it won’t be a surprise if Jones takes over the job if Newton can be productive.
Cam Newton is all for the competition between him and Mac Jones
Cam Newton joines the KJZ show on ESPN Radio Thursday morning and made it clear to Keyshawn Johnson that there is no ill-will toward Jones or the Patriots for making the selection. Newton once again backed the Patriots for drafting Jones this season.
“C’mon man, let’s be honest. I’ve been playing this game long enough to know that’s the right pick,” said Newton. “What you’re not going to get out of me is a disgruntled person. ‘Mac and Cheese’ is a person who, ever since I’ve seen him, came into the locker room with a business approach. Doing the initiative of learning his teammates and understanding that [he] has to raise his level of play from the collegiate level to the professional level.
“I’m here for him just like he’s here for me, just like [Jarrett] Stidham and [Brian] Hoyer,” Newton added. “Our job is to be the best player we can be for the New England Patriots no matter what is asked of us. That’s what it comes down to. When Mac was picked, there were no ill-feelings and there is still no ill-feelings because competition brings out the best in everybody.”
“My time there has been everything I could have asked for. I guess it’s now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through,” said Newton, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “I can guarantee you that there’s been a shift in the comfort of knowing more. And I think that’s added value in itself.
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