New England Patriots Quarterback: Will Mac Jones Or Cam Newton Start In Week 1?

The New England Patriots’ quarterback competition is in full swing now that the 2021 NFL preseason has officially begun. Cam Newton has been viewed as the presumptive Week 1 starter, though Mac Jones could make the case that he deserves the nod in his rookie season.

The signal callers had nearly identical passer ratings in Thursday’s 22-13 win over the Washington Football Team. Newton completed four of seven passes for 49 yards and a 78.9 rating. Jones went 13-19 for 87 yards and a 78.2 rating in his first NFL action.

What does that mean for their chances of playing when the schedule turns to the regular season?

Newton is still considered the overwhelming favorite to be the Week 1 starter. DraftKings Sportsbook gives Jones +250 odds to take the first snap in the Patriots’ season opener. Jones has -350 odds to watch from the sidelines.

Newton replaced Tom Brady as the Patriots quarterback in 15 of 16 games for the 2020 season. The veteran posted a 7-8 record with 2,657 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Newton struggled in the passing game but did add 592 rushing yards and 12 scores on the ground.

Against Washington, Newton’s average depth of target was fewer than one yard. Jones was much more aggressive throwing the ball, averaging 7.6 yards per target.

Jones was drafted with the No. 15 overall pick. New England hopes he is the team’s franchise quarterback. It’s a matter of when, not if, Bill Belichick gives Jones the keys to the offense.

"He came and talked to me, and we talked it out about just his expectation. Every young quarterback goes through it -- the excitement, the anticipation," Newton told reporters Thursday, regarding Jones. "He wants to be so perfect, and I see his preparation is always pristine. That's what I admire about him."

Jones put up monster numbers in his final season at Alabama, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. The rookie was surrounded by immense talent in college, but the Patriots have one of the NFL’s worst collections of wide receivers.

Newton likely offers the Patriots a higher floor as far as the 2021 season goes. Jones has a higher ceiling.

After improving their roster through free agency and returning players who opted out of the 2020 season, New England should be a playoff contender with even average quarterback play.

The Patriots play their last two exhibition games on Aug. 19 and Aug. 29. New England is scheduled to visit the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 on Sept. 12.