Newton: Belichick has not named me Week 1 starter

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton: Bill Belichick has not named me Week 1 starter

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 8/16/21

Bill Belichick hinted earlier in the offseason that Cam Newton is going to be the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback in Week 1, but he apparently has not shared that same message privately with Newton.

Newton told reporters on Monday that Belichick has not assured him he will be first on the depth chart heading into Week 1. The former MVP says he knows no more about the situation than the media.

Cam Newton is asked if Belichick has told him he’s the starter for Week 1 of the regular season. “You know he hasn’t said that.”

He adds: “Everything ya’ll know, I know… We got so much to worry about prior to Week 1.” Says that’s where his focus is at right now.

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 16, 2021

That is somewhat hard to believe. While Belichick probably hasn’t named Newton the starter behind closed doors, it’s safe to assume he has discussed the situation with the team at some point.

Mac Jones looked comfortable in last week’s preseason game against Washington. The rookie completed 13-of-19 passes for 87 yards and did not throw an interception. Newton didn’t play as much as Jones, which could be a good sign for the former. Cam did, however, share a cryptic Instagram post about loyalty after the game. He said Monday that the post had nothing to do with football.

Belichick labeled Newton his starting QB after the Patriots drafted Jones in the first round. The coach has since implied that there is an open competition.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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