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NFL Network analyst reacts to how Cam Newton’s absence will impact Mac Jones
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There’s been a development in the QB competition for the New England Patriots.
Cam Newton will miss 5 days due to a violation of the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
Scott Pioli of the NFL Network went on “Good Morning Football” to speak to Kyle Brandt and react to the news.
“This is a golden opportunity for Mac Jones.” @scottpioli51 reacts to Cam Newton missing 5 days due to misinterpretation of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols and what it means for Jones. pic.twitter.com/quHvKA0rw2
— GMFB (@gmfb) August 24, 2021
Newton went to a team approved medical appointment outside of New England and has to sit out after a misunderstanding of the protocols.
For rookie quarterback Mac Jones, this could be where he distances himself in the competition with his main competitor being out for 5 days, Pioli said.
The Patriots have just 1 game remaining in the preseason against the New York Giants. They are undefeated so far after beating the Washington Football Team 22-13, and the Philadelphia Eagles 35-0.
“My initial reaction was true surprise,” said Pioli. “Because this is not an organization that has miscommunications and has many misunderstandings. That’s the most surprising thing to me, to see that it’s being characterized this way. Something clearly went wrong. Looking at it on the field, to me, this a golden opportunity for Mac Jones. Because right now, they’re getting ready for practices down in New York. They have 2 days of practices and Cam Newton’s not gonna be able to be a part of that, so what’s gonna happen is now Mac Jones is gonna have an opportunity to have all the first team reps if that’s what the Patriots choose to do.”
Pioli added that the practices against the Giants offers Jones a great chance to show the improvement he’s made this preseason.
“In these practices because of the relationship between Bill Belichick and Joe Judge, what I think they’re gonna be able to do with Mac Jones and with Daniel Jones is give them first team reps full speed without the quarterbacks getting hit,” Pioli said. “This is a golden opportunity for Mac Jones to prove what he can do and to make significant progress. Cam Newton’s not gonna be able to do that. The thing is that Cam was making tremendous progress. It looked to me from outside that he was going to be the clear leader going into the regular season as long as he remained healthy, but to me this is truly a step back Cam Newton and a step forward for Mac Jones.”
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
