Cam Newton has officially won the Patriots quarterback competition.
According to a source, Bill Belichick named Cam Newton the Patriots' starting quarterback during a team meeting on Thursday. The veteran was also named one of the team's offensive captains for the upcoming 2020 NFL season after a team vote. The Boston Globe first reported the news about Newton winning the starting job.
This news was expected after Newton clearly outdueled Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer this summer in training camp. The quarterback competition got off to a slow start, but Newton really emerged on Day 4 of camp when he completed 10 of 17 passes in full-team drills. After that day, he took more reps in full-team drills than Stidham, who dealt with a lower body injury, and Hoyer.
At the end of camp, Newton completed 63% of his passes going 124 of 198 with five interceptions in team drills. By comparison, Hoyer went 84 of 138 (60%) with three interceptions and Stidham went 56 of 83 (67%) with seven interceptions through the 12 practices.
The news on Thursday officially makes Newton the replacement to Tom Brady. A game hasn't been played yet, but Newton is off to a good start as he's energized his teammates and become a favorite inside the locker room in little time. This year also could serve as a comeback for the 31-year-old, who played in just two games last season due to a foot injury.
The 2015 NFL MVP, Newton has had three surgeries in the last three offseasons (foot, shoulder and shoulder) and has made it clear that he's motivated in New England.
Newton will be a Patriots captain alongside James White, David Andrews, Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Lawrence Guy and Matthew Slater.
The Brady-less era will kickoff in about a week when the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins inside Gillette Stadium on Sept. 13. This marks Newton's first game as a Patriot, but will be played without any fans due to COVID-19. Fans will likely get to see this new Patriots offense up close when the Pats take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 4 in Foxborough.
