The New England Patriots have two quarterbacks jostling for the starter role. Veteran Cam Newton who signed a one-year contract extension over the offseason is pitted against rookie first-round pick Mac Jones.

While team head coach Bill Belichick has said that Cam Newton is the team’s starting QB, Mac Jones has been making a case for himself as well. 

The rookie from Alabama has impressed many with his performances in training camp. The QB hasn’t done too bad either when called upon to take over from Newton during preseason games. 

And the recent development regarding Cam Newton’s COVID tests have just boosted the chances of Jones to stamp his authority over the starting role.

Mac Jones has the chance to claim Patriots’ QB1 role 

In a statement issued by the New England Patriots, it was revealed that Cam Newton would not be allowed to practice with the team till Thursday due to a “misunderstanding” involving the QB’s COVID-19 tests.

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During a recent press conference, Belichick offered little regarding Newton’s situation, and instead dismissed it by saying, “is what it is.” But Newton’s absence now gives Mac Jones to take more reps as QB1.

So could this potentially end up being a big week for the rookie? Belichick in trademark fashion answered with as few words as possible. “It is,” he simply said.

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Whether or not Mac Jones can wow Belichick and his staff to hand him over the starting QB role remains to be seen. But what one can be sure of if he makes a solid impression, he’ll surely give the Patriots’ coaching staff a proposition to think about.