During last week’s mandatory minicamp, Patriots quarterbacks Cam Newton and Mac Jones alternated up-and-down workouts.
On the second day of the three-day camp, the rookie No.
15 overall pick Jones was superb while the veteran Newton struggled and seemed frustrated with limited reps in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 action.
A day later, Newton oozed positive energy throughout the workout and had arguably his best practice of the spring, while it was Jones who had a tough day reading the defense and executing his offense.
“Feedback I’ve gotten on Jones is that he’s what the Patriots thought they were getting when they took him 15th—which is to say he’s a heady field general, if somewhat limited physically,” wrote MMQB’s Albert Breer.
The early note on the Patriots quarterback battle -- which technically also includes third-year former fourth-round backup Jarrett Stidham as well as experienced journeyman veteran Brian Hoyer – is that at the very least, Jones is ready to push Newton, who started 15 games in his first season in New England last fall, for the starting job in training camp come late July and August.
“My sense right now is that Jones has done enough in the spring to merit a real competition with Cam Newton in the summer,” Breer concludes.
The Patriots are set to report back to Foxborough the last week of July for the opening of training camp 2021, while New England will play its first of three preseason games on Aug. 12 at Gillette Stadium against the Washington Football Team.