WATCH: Cam Newton, Mac Jones compete in Patriots training camp

The pads might not be on yet, but the competition to be Patriots QB1 is.

Both veteran quarterback Cam Newton and first-round draft pick Mac Jones addressed the media for the first time in training camp, after three days of throwing side-by-side in drills and taking turns connecting with new receivers and tight ends.

Bill Belichick has called this period of camp, without pads or contact, an “extension” of minicamp, and a learning period for the team. But both quarterbacks acknowledged a competition among all the positions on the roster, including under center.

“Ever since I’ve been here, it’s been a quarterback competition,” Newton told reporters Friday. “That’s in essence the underlying Patriot way. Every position has a competition, and the quarterback position is no different.”

Jones is leaving the judgement of that competition up to the coaches as he adjusts to his first NFL training camp.

“Our goal is to win, so I guess they’re obviously going to play the best player, and that’s going to be whoever it may be. I’m just here to work,” said Jones.

Cam Newton started every game last season, with the exception of week four, when he was out with a positive COVID-19 test.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2WEOu4c