FOXBOROUGH -- When it comes to the Patriots' quarterback competition, Cam Newton and Mac Jones are very different players.
Newton is obviously more mobile, while Jones is more of a pocket passer.
Speaking following Tuesday's first full padded practice for the team, Devin McCourty brought up how it is benefiting the defense.
“It’s something that I think is great for the season, because it’s something that we see week in and week out,” he said. “The game plan that we have for, like, a Lamar Jackson. If we see Baltimore, we’ll be a little different than if we play Tennessee and we’ve got (Ryan) Tannehill. It’s something that we talk about. We’re paying attention. And if we go out there and Cam’s in the game, we’re like, ‘OK, Cam’s our quarterback.’ Same thing if we go out there and Mac’s in.
“It’s something that we have to build awareness as a defense, because we do that if James White is the running back, if Damien (Harris) is the running back. Those are things that we talk about in the huddle pre-snap. With quarterback, you don?t always get that in a training camp — to have two guys that have pretty different styles.
“But it’s great work for us as a defense because obviously, you have to play to those styles. It builds the communication.”
After spending a year with Newton, McCourty praised Newton's work ethic.
“Even though you hear so much about the media and so many people focus on what he’s wearing, the guy just wants to be a really good player,” he said. “He puts it all out on the line for the team. No one worries about that anymore. We know what he brings. I’m sure he’s more comfortable. I know guys are more comfortable around him and having him here. I think that’s the great thing. … We know guys more, and I think that’s been huge with Cam.”
As of now, Newton appears to have the edge in the QB competition and would start a game if there was one this week.
