Josh McDaniels gives big hint about Patriots’ QB battle

The New England Patriots are unlikely to name a starting quarterback until just before Week 1, but all signs continue to point to Cam Newton keeping his job — at least for now.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels spoke about New England’s quarterback competition on Sunday, and he was quick to say that the decision to name a starter will be made by Bill Belichick when the time is right. However, he did make it clear that Newton is currently considered QB1 ahead of Mac Jones.

“Cam certainly is the starter now, and he has done a good job,” McDaniels said, via Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston. “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.”

McDaniels was also asked if he can envision a scenario in which both Newton and Jones are part of the offense.

“My answer will be the same; I haven’t thought about it at all,” he insisted.

Newton and Jones both played well in Thursday’s preseason win over Washington. Belichick insisted Newton is his starting QB after the Patriots drafted Jones in the first round. The coach has since implied that there is an open competition, but Newton is still the heavy favorite to be the Week 1 starter.

Belichick almost certainly would prefer to start a veteran. That is one of the main reasons Jones is unlikely to earn the starting job out of training camp, but Newton will have to play a lot better than he did last year if he wants to hold off the rookie.