New England Patriots 2021: Early projections of team’s starting offense
The 2021 New England Patriots offense
Quarterback
This writer has been an unabashed supporter of the recent drafting of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones at No. 15 and in feeling that the Patriots may have once again stumbled upon a gem of a young quarterback. That has been made crystally clear.
Yet, that notwithstanding, it is clear that Cam will start at quarterback for the Patriots in 2021. The above-mentioned previous injuries to Cam Newton have hopefully now fully healed and his issues with Covid-19 are now hopefully completely behind him.
Newton was signed for another year by Bill Belichick prior to the draft ostensibly to again run the Patriots offense. It says here that he will be the starter once again.
Newton will have lots of time this spring and summer to further master the Patriots’ complex offense and the results will be demonstrable. Backing up Newton will clearly be Jones.
In a surprising development, however, the Patriots have re-signed journeyman Brian Hoyer once again as a backup adding him to former fourth-round draft pick Jarrett Stidham.
The likelihood of keeping four quarterbacks on the active roster is slim, although it did happen once in recent memory when a certain No. 12 was kept on as a fourth quarterback in 2000.
All that notwithstanding, everything points to Cam Newton as starting at quarterback in 2021 against Miami on September 12th.
The grade here is B+. Some may take issue with this grade with Cam starting but his solid completion percentage (topped Brady’s) and all extenuating circumstances last season clearly warrant this grade.
Running backs
The Patriots currently have Damien Harris, Sony Michel, James White, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor, and draftee Rhamondre Stevenson (a favorite draft pick) as possibles this season.
Based on last season’s performances, Harris will get the nod as a starter against Miami. The second-year man had a fine season in 2020 and he should be able to up that performance if he can stay healthy.
White will be the presumptive third-down back as one of the league’s best pass-catchers out of the backfield.
In addition, Stevenson will very likely be the short-yardage back with his size and running ability. Why wouldn’t he be? Yet, Stevenson may very likely be much, much more than that.
The grade here is: A-. Harris, Stevenson, and White will be three very solid backs.