FOXBOROUGH — Mac Jones’s time is now.
The Patriots pulled off the biggest shock of cutdown day when they released quarterback Cam Newton and named Jones their starting quarterback Tuesday morning, according to a league source.
“I’m going to be ready whenever my time comes,” Jones had said after Sunday’s preseason win over the Giants, the third straight game in which the rookie first-round pick came on in relief of Newton, who started 15 games for New England last season.
Newton took to social media shortly after the release to thank fans.
“I really appreciate all the love and support during this time but I must say … Please don’t feel sorry for me!! I’m good,” he posted on Instagram.
Jones, who helped lead Alabama to a national championship early this year, has done enough to be ready now in the eyes of coach Bill Belichick and his staff as takes over a team looking to rebound after a 7-9 season.
The decision sets up an interesting opening day, as Jones will oppose Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whom Jones supplanted in Tuscaloosa.
Jones had a terrific summer in training camp, and it was clear from the opening bell that he quickly grasped Josh McDaniels’s offense, traditionally one of the most complicated in the NFL.
“You could tell he had what it takes from the first practice with him,” running back James White said Tuesday.
Jones demonstrated poise, precision, and the ability the rebound from bad passes, series, and practices. He often talked about how much he was able to absorb from those around him, including those he was competing with.
“There’s no bad business in our quarterback room,” he said Sunday. “We’re all trying to help each other. And obviously I played in college last year and I’ve never played in the NFL.
“So, I’m here to learn, from Josh, from Cam, from [Brian] Hoyer, from everybody. They’ve seen a lot of football, whether they played or was a backup, they’ve seen a lot of NFL football and they’ve been a great help to me.
“And I hope that I can help them whenever they ask for it. If I see something or I have to do something for them, I’ll do it, because I’m trying to be a great teammate. So, it’ll play out how it’s supposed to.”
As it turned out, it’s Jones playing the starting role, which he said Sunday is what he always prepares to be, no matter what the depth chart reads.
“I’ve learned at a young age to just prepare like the starter,” he said. “You don’t have to be the starter, but you have to prepare and get into your routine.”
Over the summer, Jones looked like a perfect fit for McDaniels’s offense, which requires quick thinking, a quick trigger, and superb accuracy. He consistently improved throughout camp, and coaches and teammates raved about his work ethic away from the field and his command in the huddle.
He capped an impressive final week of training camp by completing 10 of 14 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown against the Giants after carving up New York’s defense during the first of two joint practices last week.
Newton had re-signed in March to a one-year deal worth $5 million, with $3.5 guaranteed. Though he looked much better this summer than he did at any point last season, it still wasn’t enough to beat out Jones.
Jones now gets his first real chance to work with the starting offensive line and skill-position players before facing the Dolphins Sept. 12.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores, who spent time with Jones at the Senior Bowl, reminded reporters in Miami Tuesday that the opener isn’t Mac vs. Tua.
“I have a great deal of respect for Mac Jones,” said Flores. “If he has earned the respect of Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels, then he has my respect.”
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.
https://ift.tt/3gNEn4k
Sports
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Patriots release Cam Newton, name rookie Mac Jones the starting quarterback - The Boston Globe"
Post a Comment