New England Patriots: 3 biggest storylines heading into Training Camp

Mac Jones vs. Cam Newton: Who will be the  New England Patriots starter Week 1?

All eyes are on the quarterbacks. The biggest story of this offseason for the New England Patriots was who would be at the quarterback position in 2021 and beyond.

In a surprise to very few, the team brought Cam Newton back on a team-friendly deal that would make him their immediate plan while they could still pursue a long-term plan at the same time. Once the 2021 NFL Draft arrived, it was clear that the future will be in the form of Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.

The reports all offseason have been that Jones has fit right into the Patriots scheme, picking up the playbook particularly well and performing as the best QB in practice time and time again. That, however, does not mean that Jones will have the layup on being the Week 1 starter. For many, it still seems that Newton is the lock no matter what happens. We don’t believe that to be the case.

Belichick is going to play whoever gives the Patriots the best chance to win. Redshirt season or not, Jones very well could be that already as his playing style fits what the Patriots like to do — quick decisions, accurate passing, and a pocket passer. Newton does have the inside track being here one season already and likely learning the system even more in his return.

So who do we think starts Week 1?

Cam Newton. It’s going to be difficult for Jones to supplant Newton as a starter this quickly. While there are three preseason games to show that this is his time already, Belichick will be willing to go with the veteran over the rookie at least to kick off the year. That being said, we believe Jones will be the starter by the season’s conclusion.

These stories will all find their answers as training camp and the preseason approaches. It will be fun to see how it all breaks down in the end.