The Patriots aren’t ready to name a starting quarterback for the season opener, according to Bill Belichick.
The head coach said as much after New England’s 22-20 win over the Giants in Sunday’s preseason finale.
“We still have a lot of decisions to make,” Belichick told reporters about the competition between veteran Cam Newton and rookie Mac Jones.
Although Belichick isn’t ready to name a starter, all signs point to Newton getting the call when New England opens its season Sept. 12 against Miami.
The 32-year-old started all three preseason games, including Sunday’s, when he went 2 of 5 for 10 yards and threw one interception through two series.
Newton also worked as the QB1 throughout training camp, other than the practices he missed due to violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
The injury prone 2015 MVP went 7-8 with the Patriots last season, his first with New England after spending the first nine years of his career with the Panthers.
Jones, the Patriots’ 2021 first-round pick out of Alabama, relieved Newton on Sunday and played deep into the third quarter alongside the backups.
He was 10 of 14 for 156 yards and one touchdown, but was sacked four times.
Jones finished the preseason 36 of 52 for 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions.
“I’m here to play any role I can play, help in any way I can,” Jones told reporters Sunday. “I’m going to be ready whenever my time comes.”