It needs to be noted that both quarterbacks are still going up against an elite pass defense, and the pass catchers are still having a case of the drops. An area the Patriots were one of the better teams in last season.
Cam Newton
Newton led off on every drill, going 11 of 17 on the day. 6 of 12 against the starters. Newton finally had more reps than Jones after having a lighter work load the past three or four days. He did throw an interception but there's conflicting reports over if it was a bad pass or a good defensive play.
Newton's best throw was an over the shoulder throw to James White. Red shirt rule prevented sacks a combined three times from Deatrich Wise & Josh Uche and allowed Newton to get rid of the ball. Newton also went 2 of 5 during the two minute drill. I'll give my thoughts on that later.
NESN's Zack Cox wrote, "Newton tossed the only interception of practice, with safety Adrian Phillips picking off a pass that was thrown slightly behind tight end Jonnu Smith. Newton also had a couple of underthrown passes in receiver/defensive back 1-on-1s that resulted in pass breakups, and he skipped a pass to wideout Kristian Wilkerson during the final period of practice."
Newton reportedly threw with good touch and zip on the day but he also held the ball too long and his decision making was occasionally questionable.
Evan Lazar wrote, "As we write every day, Newton’s overall process and accuracy are better than last year, but some moments leave you hoping for more."
This isn't just something being written by Lazar. There are plenty of writers saying Newton is showing some improvement but either at times he looking to much like last year's quarterback or his improvements just aren't that great of improvements. Then there are some writers completely ignoring the bad from Cam & the entire team, both in print and on camera or radio.
Lazar noted a couple of things but one play in particular was a deep pass that Newton missed on.
Lazar wrote, "In 11-on-11s, he (Harry) blew by cornerback Michael Jackson on a deep post and should’ve scored (the ball was overthrown by Newton)."
Again ball placement has been a big issue throughout camp, and it was a big issue last season. It won't matter how improved the pass catchers are if Newton cannot find them, and it definitely won't help these young guys develop. How many great catches have we read about from the pass catchers, when Newton was the quarterback this offseason so far?
Mac Jones
Jones went 11 of 14 on the day. He had good command and continues to glide around the pocket. Jones's play of the day was a deep pass to 2018 first round draft pick Sony Michel. Jones reportedly ran the two minute offense better than Newton, completing every pass. Jones also reportedly played well against the first team defense but Jones didn't just go against the first team defense.
Tom E. Curran wrote, "When Hoyer was done, the first-team offense came back on the field and Jones led it back the other way."
The Patriots also had Jones on the move, again showing that anyone who thinks the Patriots drafted a statue underestimated what the young quarterback is. He's not Cam Newton but he's also not Peyton Manning.
Phil Perry noted that the day wasn't all good for Jones, as Perry wrote about how Jones started his day.
Perry wrote, "It was a herky-jerky start to Jones' day. Working against air, throwing slants to wideouts, Jones was a tick off. He threw behind his targets. He threw low. His foot slipped on one attempt and his oomph-less pass landed incomplete."
Jones has been getting some work here and there against the first team but it's been primarily against the backups. And Jones's play has been getting brushed off. There are people in the media getting annoyed with that because fans and some personalities ignoring the progress being made.
Evan Lazar wrote, "Some people want to write off scout-team reps, and that’s fine. But the reality is that the Pats’ first-rounder looks the part."
Both quarterbacks had good days but Jones reportedly from many, had the better day and was the more consistent passer between the two. Jones is always going to beat Newton in passing drills, as to where Newton is going to win on mobility drills. That's why I am holding off on saying Jones was the better quarterback, although I do prioritize the ability to pass over the ability to run and move.
The area of concern is once again when it mattered, Cam Newton struggled in pressure situations. Today during the two minute offense he couldn't get it done. Whether it's throwing incompletions or interceptions, when Belichick has run the two minute drill or gotta have it plays, thus far this offseason including the spring, Newton has been inconsistent at best and it's fair to say unreliable. Is he the guy the team wants the ball in the hands of when the game is on the line?
This is one of many reasons thus far this offseason to be worried about Cam Newton, when people are saying to "be excited over Newton." It's like last season after watching the first two weeks, there was reason to be cautious about signing Newton long term but people were screaming "extend him for five years." If that's you, take a step back and make sure you're not missing anything, that you don't have blinders on.
Newton is still the starter and I'll support Belichick's decision but I still believe Newton should start. It's great that Jones is showing more confidence but how is his emotional maturity when things aren't going right? That is a red flag that has to improve before he gets the keys to the franchise.
Quick Notes
•The running backs once again continue to get a good deal of targets. Overall, While all the backs had decent days, Sony Michel may have been the best back on the field.
•Although he returned, Barmore spent sometime in the medical tent with a foot issue.
•Wilkerson, Hall, Harry, and Olszewski all had good days at camp on Monday. Although Gunner going to make the team, The number four and five spots on the depth chart are still not locks.
•Jake Bailey continues to kick field goals with Gunner Olszewski as his holder. It might be nothing but it could be something with the camp that Quinn Nordin has been having. With Folk out, the Patriots maybe preparing to move on from him. Wouldn't be the first time we saw a kicker or punter that was a lock miss time and get unseated.
•Hall, Taylor, and Olszewski all worked on return duty today. With no winner insight for the role yet. Harry had been working with the kickoff group ad both a return man and a coverage guy but I didn't see anything about him in those areas today.
•Stidham has been at camp back to back days to observe. While the Patriots cut quarterback Jake Dolegala to bring in a long snapper while Cardona is out. Dolegala wasn't doing much of anything besides playing catch with Newton to keep him loose while Jones got extra reps.
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