No decisions have officially been made, but it appears Cam Newton will be starting in Week 17 against the Jets.
Appearing on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Tuesday, Bill Belichick was asked if Newton will be the starting quarterback.
“I would imagine, but hey we’re going through that now," he responded. "We’ll see.”
Newton was pulled for the third time this season with the Patriots trailing Monday night against the Bills -- a game in which they lost 38-9. Newton finished 5-for-10 passing with 34 yards before he was benched in the third quarter.
Belichick was asked what he thought Newton did well in the game.
“I thought he did what we asked him to do," he said.
Second-year player Jarrett Stidham replaced Newton and many have been calling for him to start, including this coming week. With that being said, given the all the factors in play, it could be argued the team wouldn't learn anything it already knows by starting Stidham against the Jets.
“I think there would be some truth to that," Belichick said.
Later on, the coach added: “At some point he will get an opportunity to play with a good opportunity to prepare and play, and that will be a better evaluation. Whatever point that is, I don’t know.”
Even if Newton does start Sunday against the Jets, it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Stidham play at some point.
The Patriots will enter the game at 6-9, while the Jets are 2-13.
