East Rutherford, NJ - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is not ready to name his starting quarterback for the September 12 regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
"No, we still have a lot of decisions to make," Belichick said after Sunday night's 22-20 win over the New York Giants in the preseason finale.
Veteran Cam Newton started on Sunday and played two series, all with starts. Rookie Mac Jones relieved him and played deep into the third quarter with a backup.
It could be a tipoff in the direction Belichick is leaning in, and Jones - the first-round pick (15th overall) from Alabama - comes out though.
"Like I always say, I am focused on today. I think there are a lot of things that I can clear up. I kept the ball a little longer at some points today. I will work on that.. But I'm here to play any role I can to help in any way I can, and I'm going to be ready whenever my time comes," Jones told 10-off for 156 yards. Said after completing -14, with a touchdown and no interception.
Newton, who was 2-5 for 10 yards with an interception on Sunday, was not made available to answer questions after the game. He hasn't addressed reporters since a "misunderstanding" of COVID-19 protocols led him to miss three practices last week.
Thus, the postgame media spotlight shone brightly on Jones.
"I learned at a young age, just prepare like a starter. You don't have to be a starter, but prepare, add to your routine," he said. "It's something that Coach talked about today. We're going to be in this stadium again [September 19 against the New York Jets] and I did that. That's how you can get in a flow."
Jones finished a 36-in-52 preseason for 389 yards, with one touchdown and no interception. He was sacked four times in Sunday's finale, as he had been sacked just once in the last two pre-season games.
Asked if he thinks he has done enough to be a starter, he said: "I've got a lot of opportunities to play, and I can improve on everything. I think [Brian] ] Learning from Hoyer, Cam, Jarrett [Stidham], and [offensive coordinator] Josh [McDaniels] and listening to their coaching, there's a lot of work to do. I think I've made progress. But honestly, the only thing that What matters is today."
Newton started every pre-season game, but did not play as much overall, going 14-for 21 for 162 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Jones referred to Newton as a "patron" on Sunday night, and explained a moment on the shore raised on the television broadcast, with Newton following him to the shore to greet him.
"He showed me the video [after the game]," Jones said. "I didn't hear him, or see him, and then I was like, 'Oh, my bad!' But he's the cam for you. He's happy. He's a great teammate, so I'm happy to be in the same room with him and learn from him because he's a great friend."
Throughout the preseason, Belichick has reiterated that Newton is the starting quarterback, but also stated that, like the players in any position, he must reestablish that position throughout the preseason. Belichick also said that any situation can change if a starter outperforms or if a starter is not available.
Asked last week at what point he needs to be a starter from a spirited quarterback competition and give that player most of the repeats for the season opener, Belichick said: "I don't have a timetable on that . .. I'm not sure."