Patriots Broadcaster Scott Zolak Apologizes for Comments About Cam Newton, Rap Music
Aug 30, 2021
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New England Patriots radio announcer Scott Zolak apologized Sunday for saying Cam Newton was distracted by rap music.
The initial comments came on the radio Thursday, criticizing Newton's approach during practices.
"I'd turn off the rap music first of all, because I think it's distracting for Cam," Zolak said, per Jim Reineking of USA Today. "In between every throw he's dancing. He makes a throw and the music's still cranking."
In his apology Sunday, Zolak said he spoke to Newton about the comments and said the quarterback was "nothing but class."
Newton continued to struggle on the field in Sunday's game against the New York Giants, finishing 2-of-5 for 10 yards and an interception. The veteran is looking to hold off rookie Mac Jones for the starting job, but head coach Bill Belichick said after the game he had not made a decision.
The NFL 's first three-game preseason is in the books following five games Sunday. Now, the next time you see professional football ( Sept. 9 is the regular-season opener) , it'll mean something...
Mac Jones Impresses As Patriots Beat Daniel Jones, Giants in Preseason Finale
Aug 30, 2021
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 29: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots looks to pass the ball against against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 29, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Mac Jones and the New England Patriots closed out their final preseason performance with a solid 22-20 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The outing gave a few players an opportunity to make a last impression on the coaching staff before final roster cuts are submitted. To that end, Jones played six series. His counterpart in New York, Daniel Jones, played just the first half.
That was all both teams needed to see from their starters as they move onto Week 1 of the regular season. Mostly, the two teams just wanted to escape without any significant injuries.
New York, unfortunately, couldn't. Tight end Evan Engram exited early in the first half with a calf injury. His long-term status remains unknown.
Giants ruled out TE Evan Engram with a calf injury.
Here's a look at who stood out in the exhibition finale.
Notable Performers
Cam Newton, QB, New England Patriots: 2-for-5 passing, 10 yards, INT
Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots: 10-for-14 passing, 156 yards, TD, four sacks
Daniel Jones, QB New York Giants: 17-for-22 passing, TD, INT
Blake Martinez, LB, New York Giants: two tackles, one pass deflection, INT
Final Audition For Newton And Jones
Cam Newton was technically the starter for the Patriots on Sunday. It's unclear if he'll retain that designation when the regular season opens on Sept. 12, though, as his performance against the Giants may not have helped his case.
Not only did Newton only play two series, but he was also less than effective in both.
He attempted three passes on the first series, completing just one for six yards as tailback Damien Harris carried the offense into field goal range to take a 3-0 lead. Newton's second and final preseason series lasted three plays. He completed a four-yard pass to Nelson Agholor, then was intercepted in the middle of the field while throwing out of his own end zone. While the pick was more the result of a tremendous Giants effort on defense than it was Newton's throw, the QB still put the ball in a vulnerable position on a crucial third down.
That Newton's poor play came on a night when Jones completed his first touchdown of the preseason only makes things tougher as the former MVP attempts to hold onto the starting job.
Jones' first drive went eight plays, 50 yards and ended with a field goal. Though he went three-and-out and ran out of game time on his next two possessions, there was no question the rookie out of Alabama looked stronger and more confident with each rep.
That manifested in a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open up the second half with Jones completing three of four pass attempts for 50 yards in the process.
He opened up his next drive with a 30-yard pass from midfield to Devin Asiasi, immediately putting the Patriots in the red zone. Rhamondre Stevenson finished off that drive with a nine-yard touchdown run.
All of it left head coach Bill Belichick no closer to naming his Week 1 starter. Asked by reporters in his post-game press conference if he had a better sense of who his QB1 is after three exhibitions, the coach punted.
"No," Belichick said. "We still have a lot of decision to make."
Daniel Jones Finishes Preseason With Mixed Performance
There won't be any QB controversy for the Giants this yearâat least not in the preseasonâbut the performance of Jones could've instilled a bit more confidence going forward.
Whether or not it did remains questionable.
Jones made a few passes coaches and fans fawned over, and a few more that had the same bunch groaning.
While it's easy to question calling a bootleg pass on third-and-goal, the issue is less about the play design and more about Jones' inability to execute it. Keep in mind the Giants are likely to have running back Saquon Barkley in these situations during the regular season. That's a game-changing skill player in the backfield who will draw defenses toward him no matter the situation.
What matters more is that Jones threw across his body and into five Patriots defenders in the end zone rather than throwing the ball away and living to fight for another down.
That's not to say it's a decision Jones would make during the regular season. However, it's one he made and failed to execute in practice.
The third-year pro out of Duke should be taking his biggest step forward yet this year. Giants fans will have to wait and see if that's truly the case.
What's Next
The Patriots open up the regular season at home on Sept. 12 in an AFC East battle with the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is slated for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. The Giants host the Denver Broncos on Sept. 12, as well, kicking off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.
Patriots' Bill Belichick: No Timetable for Picking Between Cam Newton, Mac Jones
Aug 26, 2021
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks to Mac Jones #10 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The NFL regular season may be drawing close, but Bill Belichick isn't committing to a starting quarterback just yet.
"I don't have a timetable on that," he told reporters when asked if a point would come when it would be easier to prepare for the team's season opener on Sept. 12 against the Miami Dolphins with a definitive starter named. "I can't tell you."
"Yeah, Iâm not sure exactly how that will go," he added.
The Patriots have been tight-lipped about the pecking order at quarterback. While Cam Newton has started the first two preseason games, the competition at the position remains open. No surprises there after the Patriots used a first-round pick to select Mac Jones this offseason.
"I know this is going to sound silly, but I haven't really worried about it," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels told reporters on Sunday. "I think that decision from Bill [Belichick] will be made when the time is right to make it. Cam certainly is the starter now, and he has done a good job. He has gone in there, he played well the other night. He's practiced well. But, I know those guys are really competing hard and we're giving them an opportunity to compete and play a lot of football."
Mac Jones on Cam Newton's return: "It was good. He came in this morning and everyone was happy to see him. Glad to have him back. Even today, there was something that popped up - he did something with the 'mike' - and I can kind of learn from what he did. We talked it through."
Newton, 32, missed five days this week under the NFL's COVID-19 protocols after what Belichick categorized as a "misunderstanding," per ESPN's Mike Reiss.
"On Saturday, Cam Newton traveled to a club-approved medical appointment that required him to leave the New England area," the team said in a statement. "He received daily COVID tests, which were all negative. Due to a misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities, and as required by the NFL-NFLPA protocols, Cam will be subject to the five-day entry cadence process before returning to the facility."
There's no doubt that Jones is the starter of the future, and he's played well throughout the preseason. That, combined with the fact that Newton had his struggles last year (2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 65.8 completion percentage, 592 rushing yards, 12 rushing scores)âand that Jones got three days of practices with the first-team offenseâleft some to wonder if the rookie would seize the starting gig.
Mac Jones giving Bill Belichick something to think about today as it relates to starting QB. Jones took a TON of reps, and he was on his game, capping things off with successful 2-minute long TD drive. He got a low-5 from Belichick after that one.
đš @MacJones_10 đš#MacJones put on a clinic vs #Giants starting def today (21 of 23 & 2 TD in LIVE) those there text me... "Thought it was Brees- sliced them like a juicy prime rib -it was scary" "Felt like we witnessed a moment" @DougESPN @JoeFortenbaugh@Tyler_Fulghum
Adam Schefter via @GreshKeefe on Mac Jones' chances of being starter: "When Cam is out of the building for 5 days, it just gives Mac the chance to go out there and impress them, which he has all summer."
Adds: "We know his time is coming, we just don't know when that will be."
For now, the Patriots aren't naming a starter. It's possible that Belichick will stick with the familiarity of Newton, allowing Jones the chance to further learn and develop from the bench.
But it wouldn't be shocking if Jones eventually claims the starting gig at some point this season. Perhaps even by Week 1.
Why the Patriots Might Deploy a Cam Newton, Mac Jones Platoon This Season
Aug 24, 2021
Foxborough, MA - July 28: Quarterbacks Cam Newton, left, and Mac Jones during drills. The New England Patriots hold Day 1 of training camp at the Gillette Stadium practice field in Foxborough, MA on July 29, 2021. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The New England Patriots' quarterback controversy took another twist Monday morning after it was revealed that Cam Newton will be away from the team until Thursday. The club announced that there was a "misunderstanding" about the daily COVID-19 tests the incumbent starter received while away from NFL facilities.
With Newton only able to participate in team activities virtually for much of the week, there is now a real opportunity for Mac Jones to carve out a bigger role to start the 2021 season.
The rookie signal-caller has played exceedingly well during training camp and in the preseason, but he has taken most of his snaps with the second-stringers in practice, per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, and came in after Newton during both of New England's preseason games.
During his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show (h/t Audacy.com), head coach Bill Belichick indicated that Newton is still penciled in as the starter, but that statusâlike any other position on his rosterâis subject to change based on skill and/or availability.
Jones' promising production could lead New England's notoriously creative coach to find an unconventional solution to this quarterback conundrum.
When asked if would consider playing both Newton and Jones this season, Belichick said that he hasn't ruled out a quarterback-by-committee approach and made it clear that he is open to anything that will help the Patriots win football games:
âIÂ am going to do what is best for the team. I am going to do whatever I can to help the team win. So, if thatâs playing a guard in the backfield, then weâll play a guard in the backfield. If it's putting 10 defensive backs on the field, if that's what it is, maybe we'll put 10 defensive backs on the field. I am not going to rule out anything. If I think something would help us win, I would consider it."
Belichick has a tough decision after his top two quarterbacks dominated in Thursday's preseason contest. Newton carved up the Philadelphia Eagles for 103 yards and a score on 8-of-9 passing before exiting the game. Jones didnât skip a beat, connecting on 13 of 19 passes for 146 yards.
Because neither quarterback has distinguished himself as a significantly better starting option, it might be easiest for Belichick to simply give both playing time during the regular season.
If the Patriots do decide to go with a platoon for an extended stretch, it would be the first time a team has done so since Washington head coach George Allen rotated in Billy Kilmer and Sonny Jurgensen during the 1973 and 1974 seasons.
One would have to go back more than seven decades to find the league's mostâand perhaps onlyâsuccessful platoon. The Los Angeles Rams began using Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin together in 1949 and reached the NFL title game for three consecutive years, winning in 1951. The two would continue to share playing time until Waterfield's retirement in 1952.
In recent years, teams have occasionally rotated in a more athletic backup quarterback for specific situations, such as being near the goal line or for gadget plays.
The New Orleans Saints are a good example of this, having swapped Drew Brees for Taysom Hill to keep opposing defenses off balance and add the threat of a runner under center, but they never employed a full-time platoon at the position.
Belichick, a devout student of the game, has shown a propensity to utilize strategies by his predecessors.
Former New England linebacker Rosevelt Colvin revealed to ESPN's Mike Reiss that Belichick named his two tight end setsâwhich were close to unstoppable in 2011âthe "Detroit" offense because the Lions ran that system when he coached there.
Ryan Wendell, another of Belichick's former players, said the coach showed his players a black-and-white film from the 1940s to demonstrate what the modern Green Bay Packers were doing offensively and how historic defenses would try to stop them.
In 2019, the six-time Super Bowl winner spoke positively about the opportunity he had to pore through the film archives while working on the NFL's Top 100 project.
"I learned a lot. It was a great experience," he said, per Matt Vautour of MassLive.com. "I watched a lot of film of players in the '30s, the '40s, the '50s and the '60s. I watched quite a bit of that over the summer and last spring, and it was very enlightening in studying the great players in different eras and how the game was played."
While the game has changed immensely in the years since Waterfield and Van Brocklin were wearing leather helmets, taking a page out of the history books could pay dividends for New England this season.
Like a fantasy football manager, Belichick could play the matchups when determining which quarterback to start. Newton would be an ideal option against poor rushing defenses or foes more susceptible to mobile quarterbacks, while Jones could be deployed when the Pats are going up against weak secondaries. Â
It's even possible that New England will opt to change out its quarterbacks in the middle of a game.
Last year, there were numerous times when Newton was struggling to make throws and lead the offense. Having Jones come off the pine to jump-start a slumping offense would allow the Patriots to break out of those ruts.
Had the Crimson Tide product been on the roster last year, Belichick might have pulled Newton earlier than he did in situations like his three-interception performance against the San Francisco 49ers. He could have turned to a backup much more capable than Jarrett Stidham in an attempt to salvage a victory.Â
If New England elected to start Jones that week but finds him flummoxed by a certain defense, Belichick could call Newton in to spell the 15th overall pick in hopes of solving that opponent.Â
The rival Miami Dolphins avoided an outright platoon situation last year, but their eventual switch from Ryan Fitzpatrick to rookie Tua Tagovailoa wasn't permanent. Although Fitzpatrick lost his starting job in Week 8, he still found himself back on the field bailing out the 'Phins on multiple occasions.
The veteran played a relief-pitcher-type role for Miami, completing 45-of-70 passes for 556 yards and three touchdowns in the three games that he subbed in for Tagovailoa, per Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports.
The move worked best in Week 16, when Fitzpatrick entered a game against the Las Vegas Raiders with less than 10 minutes remaining. The dependable veteran kept Miami in postseason contention after sparking a lifeless offense and orchestrating a brilliant game-winning drive.Â
Assuming Newton is cleared to return on schedule, the Patriots will get their first real opportunity to try out a quarterback by committee on Sunday, when they close out the preseason against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. This game could determine what the Patriots do under center in their regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12.
Although the idea of New England shuffling Newton and Jones to ride the hot hand is an intriguing one, those hoping to see it happen may want to temper expectations.
Belichick said he was open to the same idea last year, when Newton was competing with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer in camp, but the coach ultimately gave the former Carolina Panther the full-time job.
Considering Newton started 15 games during his first season in New England and the Pats finished a disappointing 7-9 for the season, whiffing on the playoffs for the first time since 2008, perhaps Belichick will give the unconventional committee approach more serious consideration this time around.
Mac Jones: 'I'm Ready to Play Any Role That I Need to Play' Amid Patriots' QB Battle
Aug 23, 2021
New England Patriots' Mac Jones (10) in action during a pre-season NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
As Bill Belichick continues to make final roster decisions for the New England Patriots before the start of the regular season, Mac Jones isn't politicking to be the team's starting quarterback.
Appearing on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria on WEEI 93.7 (Boston) Monday, Jones explained his thought process with one preseason game left on the schedule.
"I am just here to be a good teammate and help the quarterback room," he said. "When I am in there, I need to execute the plays, and I can continue to get better at that and I will, so itâs just a learning experience. I am ready to play any role that I need to play.â
The Patriots selected Jones with the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. It's assumed the 22-year-old will become the starting quarterback at some point, but there has been no indication at this point when that might be.
Jones and Cam Newton have been in competition throughout training camp and the preseason.
Belichick, as is often the case, has been tight-lipped about where things stand in the quarterback battle. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels told reporters after last week's preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles that Newton "is the starter now."
The 2015 NFL MVP has started each of New England's two preseason games thus far. He is 12-of-16 for 152 yards and one touchdown combined in those matchups against the Eagles and the Washington Football Team.
Newton will be away from the team until Thursday due to a misunderstanding about COVID-19 tests conducted away from the club's facilities, the Patriots announced.
Jones, who has seen extended playing time in the first two preseason games, will likely take first-team reps until Newton is eligible to return. The Alabama alum has completed 26 of 38 attempts for 233 passing yards against Philadelphia and Washington.
The Patriots will wrap up their preseason schedule against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. ET. They will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the regular season on Sept. 12.
Cam Newton, Mac Jones Impress as Patriots Rout Eagles 35-0 in Preseason Action
Aug 20, 2021
New England Patriots' Mac Jones throws a pass over Philadelphia Eagles' Tarron Jackson during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The New England Patriots defeated the host Philadelphia Eagles 35-0 in preseason action from Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday evening.
Patriots quarterbacks Cam Newton and Mac Jones both shined, combining to go 21-of-28 for 259 yards and one touchdown.
Four New England running backsâJ.J. Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, Sony Michel and Damien Harrisâcombined for 40 carries, 207 rushing yards and four scores.
Many Eagles starters sat this one out, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who did not play due to a stomach infection, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith made his debut for Philadelphia, though, catching a pair of passes for 19 yards after sitting part of training camp (and the first preseason game) with a sprained MCL.
The Patriots moved to 2-0 this preseason after opening the campaign with a 22-13 win over the Washington Football Team. Philadelphia fell to 0-2 after starting its ledger with a 24-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Notable Performances
Eagles QB Joe Flacco: 10-of-17, 83 passing yards, 1 INT
Newton, Jones Both Excellent Against Eagles' Backups
Granted, many Eagles startersâincluding the entire defensive line, No. 1 cornerback Darius Slay and moreâdid not play on this night.
Zach Berman of The Athletic accurately summarized how the Eagles treated this game with a nod to Philadelphia's use of backups and third-stringers against the Washington Football Team in Week 17 last year:
Eagles make the halftime QB change. Third-teamers are on the field. They're approaching it like a Week 17 game when the opponent is playing for the division title.
Jones took over for Newton in the second quarter and first orchestrated a nine-play, 91-yard touchdown drive capped by a Stevenson one-yard rush. The former Alabama star notably found N'Keal Harry for 19 yards on a 3rd-and-13 from his own six-yard line to keep the drive alive.
Overall, Newton and Jones were exceptional as the Patriots dominated the Eagles.
Smith Impresses in Limited Action
The Eagles' night was ugly on all accounts, with the team unable to stop the run or pass on defense or execute much of anything on offense. That should all be taken with a grain of salt given how many starters sat in this one.
On the bright side, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner took the field and impressed with two catches and 19 yards on four targets.
Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus noted how easily Smith creates separation.
There was plenty of talk about Smith's low weight (170 pounds) during the pre-draft process, but as Brett Kollman of "The Film Room" noted, that may not matter if defensive backs are unable to lay a hand on him:
I donât think Iâve seen Devonta Smith get touched off the line one time all night.
Being 170 doesnât matter if DBs canât even get a hand on you anyway.
Overall, Smith was a shining light on an otherwise dreary evening in Philadelphia. That was especially the case given the MCL sprain that led to him being week-to-week.
All indications seem to point toward Smith being good to go and ready to tear up the NFL, however.
What's Next?
Both teams will close their preseasons on the road against NFL teams that call MetLife Stadium home.
The Eagles will face the New York Jets on Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Two nights later in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Pats will take on the New York Giants at 6 p.m.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
Get the best sports content from the web and social in the new B/R app. Get the app and get the game.
New England Patriots Will Be AFC's Biggest Playoff Surprise in 2021
Aug 19, 2021
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton throws during an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
A non-playoff season left a worse taste in the collective mouths of the New England Patriots than brushing one's teeth then drinking a glass of orange juice. The organization did everything in its power this offseason to cleanse its palette and restart by building a playoff-caliber roster.Â
After enjoying a 20-year dynasty that included six Super Bowl victories, the Patriots found out how the other half of the NFL lives.
The organization didn't have a ready-made replacement for Tom Brady (not that it really could). New England's offense sputtered and stalled. The unit lacked weapons. Decisions by Dont'a Hightower and Patrick Chung to opt-out of the 2020 campaign hampered the defense. In fact, the Patriots endured more opt-outs (eight) last season than any other squad. Furthermore, the defense lacked key pieces, particularly a consistent edge-rusher.Â
Bill Belichick and Co. did what they do best this offseason: Formulate a plan to gain an edge over their competitors.
New England took advantage of its expansive salary-cap space when many other franchises had to deal with the realities of a restrictive salary cap after a COVID-19-stricken campaign.Â
"We've never been in a position where we have spent the kind of money in free agency that we did this year," Kraft told reporters four months ago. "I think if there was ever a year to do it, this would be the year because we'd move quickly and instead of having 10 or 12 teams compete against us for free agents, there were only two or three. ... We moved quickly and we also had the advantage of being in a unique position of having [the second- or third-most] cap space."
The Patriots' splurge became breathtaking at the onset of free agency. The organization signed edge-rusher Matthew Judon, safety Jalen Mills, defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith and wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor. Those six by themselves command $218 million in total contractual value.Â
New England fortified its offensive front by re-signing center David Andrews and Ted Karras, who left the previous season to join the Miami Dolphins. Trent Brown also came back to the team via trade. The Patriots brought back linebacker Kyle Van Noy, too.Â
Then, the organization found its potential long-term solution behind center when it drafted Alabama's Mac Jones with this year's No. 15 pick.Â
Clearly, the Patriots despised not making the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.Â
"What happened here last year was not something to our liking," Kraft said. "We had to make the corrections. In all businesses we're involved in, we try to take advantage of inefficiencies in the market."
A plan is only as good as its execution, though. No team knows itself and prepares better than the Patriots. The offseason talent haul looks to be enough to propel the Patriots into the thick of the AFC's top squads, as long as the roster coalesces properly.Â
New England's skill positions were the league's worst last season, at least at wide receiver and tight end. Early returns are quite promising.Â
Agholor gives the team a much-needed vertical threat, meaning opposing defenses can't compress the field. Agholor set career-highs last season with 896 receiving yards and an average of 18.7 yards per catch, which ranked first among receivers with 40 or more receptions. He fits right into the Patriots' culture.Â
"He's good to work with," Belichick told reporters. "... He's very detailed and wants to be detailed. Wants to do things the way that they need to be done and be where the quarterback needs him to be and with the right timing and so forth. Just got a good skill set and has been able to play a couple of different positions for us, as all the receivers have."
Bourne brings a shiftiness to the group that will help out Agholor and Jakobi Meyers.Â
"Having KB underneath with me, keeping the safety off of me, if I don't win, he'll win; if he don't win, I'll win," Meyers explained.Â
The varied skills sets are important. The Patriots lacked explosivity last season and ranked 30th in passing offense. While the wide receivers are much improved, they're complementary pieces.Â
Tight ends will dominate the Patriots' offense, as long as Henry and Smith can stay healthy. Currently, they're not. Henry continues to deal with a shoulder injury, though it's not considered serious, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith, meanwhile, has an injured ankle. Again, the issue doesn't appear to be serious, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Once healthy and on the field together, the Patriots can thrive in 12 personnel.Â
Both Henry and Smith are capable targets with the ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Their presence has the potential to dictate defensive looks. This further accentuates the Patriots' advantages, because New England's offense accentuates a deep running back stable. Henry and Smith can help load the box as blockers, flex out to create favorable matchups against linebackers or line up wide to spread defenses. Each of these possibilities is now at coordinator Josh McDaniels fingertips.Â
In essence, the Patriots are getting back to basics after last year's tight ends combined to make 18 receptions.Â
"This offense is built for tight ends," Henry said in July. "Obviously, they have had a lot of success with two tight ends. We're completely different players from the guys in the past. ... We're trying to be ourselves. Just looking forward to the challenge ahead. But, this offense has a tradition with two tight ends. I was excited about the opportunity."
With the supporting cast drastically improved, Belichick can now properly evaluate his quarterbacksâwhere the biggest difference should occur.Â
Newton knows he's operating under yet another one-year deal with a first-round quarterback breathing down his neck. Now fully healthy, the 32-year-old recommitted this offseason by working to rebuild his fundamentals, per Reiss.Â
"For years, when you're the biggest, strongest, baddest ⊠and you go into the stadium and you got this cape flowing off your back, it's easy to get in the mentality of, 'I don't have to spend the dog days of summer doing all that other stuff,'" personal quarterbacks coach George Whitfield told the Boston Herald's Karen Guregian. "So now, we're at that point in his career, where pushing the mechanics to the forefront is important because it can prolong you."
Specifically, Whitfield concentrated on Newton's footwork and base so the quarterback remains better balanced in the pocket. Injuries to his lower body caused his mechanics to deteriorate, and they needed to be rebuilt.Â
If Newton doesn't hold up physically or simply doesn't play well enough, Jones impressed throughout camp and during his first NFL preseason game. He just may be the ideal distributor to play in the Patriots' offense after creating more of a competition than intended.Â
"I just got a text from somebody within the Patriots organization who pointed out that Mac Jones is handling things 'very well, very smart, very hard worker, steady progress,'" ESPN's Darlington reported (h/t Boston.com's Hayden Bird). "These are all the things behind the scenes that you want to feel about Mac Jones."
"Yes, it matters what we personally see in practice and preseason games, but what's happening behind the scenes in that building, the fact that he's making that type of progress, to me, tells you that yes, as Sam pointed out, this is a competition."
The Buffalo Bills are the AFC East's best team. They're also counted among the best the AFC has to offer. From there, the race should be wide open with the Patriots capable of retaking the Miami Dolphins, who finished 10-6 last season. But the two teams split their series last season, and the Dolphins' development is also dependent on a quarterback, as Tua Tagovailoa becomes a full-time starter this fall. The New York Jets remain an afterthought as they start to build around this year's No. 2 pick, Zach Wilson.
Despite all of the holes and everything the Patriots previously lacked, New England still finished one game below .500 a year ago. Now, they should be better at quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and on defense.Â
How could they not be a playoff team with Belichick leading the way? Spoiler alert: They will be, and the team will savor its return to relevancy.Â
     Â
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.Â
Patriots' Mac Jones Wearing Brace on Left Knee for 'Protective Reasons,' Not Injury
Aug 16, 2021
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones looks to pass during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles at the Eagles NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Eagle-eyed observers of the New England Patriots no doubt noticed a change with rookie quarterback Mac Jones on Monday.
For the first time since training camp began, the Alabama product was spotted wearing a knee brace on his left leg. Yet, that's no reason to panic, according to Jones. He told reporters he doesn't have any ailments or soreness with the joint, he just wants to be extra protective as the regular season closes in.
Mac Jones started wearing a brace on his left knee today. He said itâs just for protective reasons, not for any specific injury. pic.twitter.com/4B3lp8SbXB
âOh no, no. I feel good,â Jones assured reporters. âPractice is practice, and they stay off the quarterback. Everything is good. I just want to make sure I keep it safe. Thatâs your lead leg when you plant, so you just want to keep it safe.â
Jones said he's going to test out a different brace on Tuesday as he continues to tinker with some added protection on the field.
That's probably for the best since he may be on the sidelines too much longer. The 22-year-old made a strong impact in his preseason debut last week, completing 13-of-19 passes for 87 yards. He also took one sack for a loss of nine yards, something that may have impacted his desire to wear a brace moving forward.
âI just wanted to try it out for protective reasons,â Jones said. âI think itâs a good idea as a quarterback just to have that on your left, front knee. So Iâm going to give it a go and see how it feels. Itâs pretty good."
As he continues to battle with Cam Newton for the No. 1 job in Foxborough, Jones wants to make sure head coach Bill Belichick's decision comes down to who is playing better and gives the team the best chance to win, not which quarterback is healthier.
Wearing a brace may not stop Jones from suffering an injuryâit is a contact sport, after allâbut it shows he's being proactive in managing his body as he transitions to the pro game.
Cam Newton: Bill Belichick Hasn't Told Me Who Will Be Patriots' Starting QB in Week 1
Aug 16, 2021
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 12: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches Cam Newton #1 during warm ups prior to the start of the game against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton told reporters on Monday that head coach Bill Belichick hasn't told him he'll be the team's starting quarterback come Week 1 of the regular season.
"No. You know he hasn't said that. So for you to just ask that question, you know, it is what it is," he said. "Every single day, I'm coming out here with the anticipation to just get better, and that's the only thing that I can do. So I can control that."
"I do know those things like that, I can't worry about," Newton added. "Because each and every day, I don't necessarily care about who's starting. I mostly care about making sure I put the best product out there for me. I know Mac [Jones] is feeling the same, and I know Brian [Hoyer] is feeling the same way, and everyone else, going down each and every position. As far as Week 1, we have so much to worry about prior to Week 1; that's where my focus is right now."
Newton, 32, was the team's starting quarterback last season, to mixed results. He finished with 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 15 games, completing 65.8 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 592 yards and 12 scores. New England went just 7-8 in his starts.
"I don't think there is any planet that Cam Newton extracts more wins from this team in 2021 than Mac Jones"
This offseason, the team drafted Jones with the No. 15 overall pick while re-signing Newton on a one-year deal, setting up a quarterback battle this summer.
Newton started the team's first preseason game vs. the Washington Football Team on Thursday and played two drives, finishing 4-of-7 for 49 yards. Jones replaced him and played five series, largely with the second unit, finishing 13-of-19 for 87 yards.
Cam Newton was 13 of 21 with an interception in the first joint practice with the Eagles. He took all first-team reps against the starting defense.
Mac Jones was very sharp and 17 of 25 but largely worked against the backup defense.
The main storyline for the Patriots heading into the 2021 season is which quarterback will win the job. The veteran Newton is the favorite in that regard, but it won't be a surprise at all if Jones eventually takes over as the top option.
At the very least, he's the future of the position in New England.
