Patriots Rumors: Cam Newton frustration ‘opened window’ for Mac Jones

Did the Patriots’ Cam Newton–Mac Jones competition just heat up more than ever before thanks to an off-field flub? Certainly seems like it.

Although, if the incumbent missing a few days of practice — with years of evidence of his talent already available — swung the tide, the braintrust may have had their doubts about him in the first place.

Newton will miss a week of joint practices prior to the Patriots’ preseason finale against the New York Giants thanks to what seems to be partially the team’s fault. After all, they approved his trip out of town for a medical procedure, where he received off-site COVID tests that the NFL isn’t considering valid.

Is that misunderstanding the QB’s fault, or draconian league policy? Well, see … if the leader of the team had been vaccinated against the disease that already derailed his 2020 season, this wouldn’t have happened. He would not be subject to a single travel restriction.

And so, Newton is missing the final countdown to Week 1, whereas the rookie Jones, who’s been efficient and impressive, is readily available.

The door to a swap may have opened somewhat.

Patriots QB Cam Newton may have opened the door for Mac Jones.

Again, does that frustration feel partially misplaced to anyone else? The Patriots let Newton walk out that door. The Patriots approved the off-site testing, ostensibly. Did the airtight Pats really let one slip here? Could they … possibly have gotten the rules wrong?

If a logistical foible like this could really set the course for Jones to start Week 1, or take the job and run with it against the Giants, then again … it really seems as if New England was leaning that way, anyway, then searched for an excuse to implement their plan.

When asked about Newton’s predicament, Devin McCourty — who’s been highly pro-Newton in the recent past, and advocated for his return after a difficult 2020 — downplayed the situation, calling it akin to a “next man up” injury scenario.

If that’s true, the “next man” had better be up for the task, a late-stage cram session that begins in earnest against the Giants this week. When the other guy’s nowhere to be found, it certainly becomes easier for the backup to shine — or, at least, outwork the absent man.

The Tom Brady Era began with a devastating knee injury and a split-second decision. Perhaps the Mac Jones Era will begin with a logistical nightmare that served to underscore the team’s gut feeling in the first place?

Patriots: Matt Cassel’s review of Josh McDaniels bodes well for Mac Jones

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