Although it has been deemed a foregone conclusion that Cam Newton would be named the New England Patriots starting quarterback heading into the 2020 NFL season, nothing is ever set in stone with head coach Bill Belichick. Newton will first need to establish himself as the clear-cut, no. 1 option ahead of Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham.
Newton has split first-team reps with both Hoyer and Stidham so far in training camp. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Belichick acknowledged that it could be beneficial to have multiple quarterbacks running the Patriots' offense:
“It might. I always say I'll do what I think is best for the team, what gives us the best chance to win. Whatever that is, I would definitely consider it — run unbalanced line, double unbalanced line, 23 personnel. Whatever it is, if it helps us win, I would consider anything.”
While the Patriots have generated plenty of hype with the addition of Newton, the circumstances of his arrival were hardly ideal given the restrictions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, Hoyer and Stidham have an edge when it comes to their understanding of the playbook.
Meanwhile, the lack of preseason games means Newton will not have a chance to help solidify his case until the 2020 campaign. Regardless, having a dual-threat of is caliber is something that Belichick will be looking to take advantage of.
It now remains to be seen how Newton responds to being part of a committee under center this season. There has been plenty of speculation regarding his fit in the system and this could very well be his first test.
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