1. With Cam Newton being released by the Patriots this week it means Mac Jones has won the starting job. Speaking on a NBC Sports conference call this week, new analyst Drew Brees raved about the Alabama product. “So as I was watching the draft, the minute the Patriots took Mac Jones at 15th, I said, that’s the steal of the draft,” he said. “It’s probably the guy who is most ready to play NFL quarterback right now, of all the guys who were taken before. His level of execution last year at Alabama, and I know we can sit here and argue he’s got the best players on the field on his side, on both sides of the ball, but in watching the National Championship game, that’s where it became very evident to me. This guy’s level of execution, his understanding of offensive football, his timing, his rhythm, his ability not only to make the routine throws, but to make throws that you’re going to need to make at the next level in order to win games and take care of the football the way he did, I felt like he was the most NFL ready.” And he didn’t stop there. “For all those reasons I think Mac Jones is going to have the most success of any rookie quarterback, not just this year but probably for the next few years,” Brees continued. We’ll see if Brees’ prediction comes true, but based on the events of the past week, the Patriots seem very high on the Alabama product.
2. Something smells fishy when it comes to Newton and his release from the team. Everything Bill Belichick said and did all summer indicated Newton was the starter, until he was released on Tuesday. It feels like something happened between the veteran missing five days for a COVID-19 testing “misunderstanding” and his release. We likely won’t ever get the real story, but it just feels like something had to have happened as Belichick praised Newton left and right over the last year and then didn’t even mention his name in his press conference the day after he was released.
3. It seems hard to envision Newton getting a backup gig this season. Just think about it: Since Newton is unvaccinated, if the starting quarterback were to test positive for COVID-19, Newton would be deemed a close contact and have to be away from the facility for five days since he’s unvaccinated. That essentially makes him useless as a backup. Vaccinated players would not be subject to the five days away from the team. While vaccination status cannot be the sole reason to base roster decisions on, that is a prime example of where it needs to be considered.
4. Stephon Gilmore will start the season on PUP, which means the earliest he can return is Week 7. This is interesting considering NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported he would be ready to return in Week 3 or Week 4. If that were the case, why didn’t he start the year on injured reserve, so then he could return for Week 4 at the earliest? Gilmore couldn't go right from PUP to IR so some movement would have had to take place, but it could have been done. The whole Gilmore situation is interesting, as it feels like it’s more about his contract than his quad.
5. A lot of people have been making an issue with the Patriots’ backup quarterback situation and Brian Hoyer being Jones’ primary backup. Well, how many teams in the NFL actually would still be in good shape if their starting QB went down? Barely any at all. If a starting quarterback goes down, it’s hard to imagine many teams being able to continue any success, which is why it’s really not worth stressing out over who the Patriots have as their backup quarterback. Hoyer is perfect for the job as he knows the system well and is a good mentor for Jones.
6. It still feels like the Patriots could look to upgrade at a few positions, most notably wide receiver and cornerback. Those two spots feel light and could use a boost. It’s probably too late for a trade, but don’t be surprised to see the Patriots add a player or two at this position via the waiver wire and/or free agent signing between now and say the first month of the season. There’s really nothing to lose, so why not take the chance?
7. Now that Jones has been named the starting quarterback, the Week 1 game against the Dolphins becomes one of the more marquee games of the entire weekend. It will be a matchup of former Alabama teammates with Tua Tagovailoa being under center for Miami. While it doesn’t have CBS’ top team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo calling the game, it will be one many many want to see.
