The period of preseason games in the NFL is one that can give way to surprises, disappointments and battles for position within a team. This last option is especially true for the starting quarterback position of a few teams this year.
The New England Patriots, among others, find themselves in this situation with Mac Jones and Cam Newton. The two pivots of the formation of the Massachusetts set foot on the ground during the first exhibition match, against the Washington Football Team.
Newton was involved in the first two streaks on offense for his team, completing four of his seven passes for 49 yards. Jones took over afterward, for the second and third quarters, completing 13 of 19 passes for 87 yards.
“It’s not up to me to make the decisions,” said Newton, whose comments were picked up by the daily “New York Post” after the match, about his time of use. I trust the coaching staff and the people being paid to make those decisions. If they say enough is enough, enough is enough.
“He wants to be perfect and it shows in his preparation, added Newton about his teammate. That’s what I admire about him, despite his young age [22 ans]; he knows how to prepare well. He can only get better and we are going to be there for each other in this process.”
“I’m far from perfect, but I deserve loyalty,” Newton wrote, however, in a rather cryptic message posted on his Instagram platform.
Lance heater Garoppolo
In San Francisco, even though the 49ers have yet to play a single preseason game, Trey Lance could make life difficult for Jimmy Garoppolo.
At least, that’s what California team general manager John Lynch believes.
“The decision will be up to our head coach [Kyle Shanahan], Lynch mentioned during his appearance on the radio station KNBR on Friday. He makes the decisions about who plays and who doesn’t. I believe the job still belongs to Jimmy, but Trey is pushing hard.”
«[Lance] It’s incredible. He is everything we thought he would be, and more. He was good from the first day of the offseason.
Lynch added, however, that the older of the two has played “his best football” since the younger joined the California organization.
A battle in Jacksonville?
Does Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer really believe there’s a battle between Trevor Lawrence and Gardner Minshew? Or do they just want to maintain an open secret to ensure that a high level of competition is maintained?
Only the main interested party could answer this question, but according to his words, the first choice of the last draft will not be able to take things lightly if he wants to be the starter in the first duel of the regular season.
“Yeah,” Meyer said simply, when asked if there was really a battle for the job on Thursday, according to ESPN.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to be the best man to win us games,” Lawrence said. At the end of the day, the decision is not mine. I trust the coaches. We are all on the same team and we all want to win.”
