The Mac Jones era is about to begin.
In a stunning move, the Patriots are releasing veteran quarterback Cam Newton, according to a source. This clears the way for the Patriots to start a rookie quarterback for the first time in the Bill Belichick era. Jones was fantastic this summer in training camp and during the preseason. The rookie went 36 for 52 for 388 yards with a touchdown and a 97.3 quarterback rating in three preseason games.
The Boston Globe was the first to report the news.
Newton’s time in Foxborough was short lived. The 32-year-old joined the Patriots last summer on a one-year deal. The 2020 season, overall, was a difficult one for the Patriots, who dealt with multiple COVID-19 opt-outs, and for Newton, who struggled in the offense for the first time. Newton finished with a 7-8 record as a starter. In 15 games, he passed for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Newton set multiple Patriots franchise records for a quarterback with 592 rushing yards to go with 12 rushing touchdowns. Overall, the Pats ended the season with a disappointing 7-9 record and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. It was clear that the team’s passing game needed more help.
That’s where Jones comes in. Selected 15th overall, Jones became the first rookie quarterback drafted by Bill Belichick in the first round and the first Patriots quarterback to be selected in the first round since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. The Alabama product came in with high expectations and put forth a sensational effort in training camp and the preseason.
Mac Jones preseason stats
In three preseason games, Pro Football Focus gave Jones a collective grade of 92.2. That made him the highest graded rookie quarterback in the NFL, ahead of Zach Wilson (85.7) and Trevor Lawrence (78.3). The rookie clearly outperformed Newton in the preseason. In three games, the veteran completed 14 of 21 passes for 162 yards to go with a touchdown, interception and 85.8 passer rating.
In practice, it was the same. Jones acclimated quicker to the Patriots offense than any rookie quarterback we’ve seen in New England. He had multiple highlight-reel throws — sometimes daily. A pure pocket passer, Jones came to Foxborough with great footwork and throwing mechanics. Off the field, he showed the ability to learn Josh McDaniels’ offensive system incredibly fast.
Last week, Jones also took advantage of Newton’s mistake. When the veteran quarterback misunderstood NFL COVID-19 rules, it cost him three practices. Jones took all the Patriots first-team reps in those practices. His most impressive performance was in the team’s first joint-session practice with the New York Giants. Jones completed 88% of his passes that day and looked more than ready to lead the Patriots this season.
Jones also earned the respect from his veteran teammates. On Monday, quarterback Brian Hoyer explained, on an appearance on WEEI, how the rookie took advantage of every opportunity he was given this summer.
“That’s the one thing I would say: Not many rookie quarterbacks have ever gotten the reps and the opportunity that he has, and he has embraced it full-on, head-on,” Hoyer said. “He goes out there every day and does the best that he can and has earned the respect of his teammates, which I think is huge, especially being a young guy with a team with a lot of veteran guys who have played here. He has earned that respect by his preparation and his play. That’s really the only way you can do it, is when you step into that huddle and those guys know you know what to do, how to do it, and go out and execute. He’s done a great job of that and will continue to do a great job."
Now, Jones will enter this season as the Patriots' first starting rookie quarterback since 1993 when Bledsoe took over. With Newton released, Hoyer will start the season as the Patriots backup quarterback. Jarrett Stidham is currently on the physically unable to perform list and could be back by Week 7.
