When the New England Patriots took Mac Jones with the #15 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the target on Auburn football legend Cam Newton’s back grew.
Now, not only is fellow Tiger alumni Jarrett Stidham on the prowl to replace the 2015 NFL MVP, #1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and 2010 Heisman winner, but the former Alabama Crimson Tide Heisman finalist and NCAA Champion starting QB Jones will now join him.
Apparently, Jones is now the consensus front runner to replace the man that brought an officially recognized gridiron national championship to the Plains for the first time in the new millennium.
At least that’s what former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky and NFL writer and analyst Warren Sharp believe:
.@danorlovsky7 thinks Mac Jones should start for the Patriots over Cam Newton 👀
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 3, 2021
"I think Mac Jones SHOULD be their day one starter, I think Mac Jones WILL be their day one starter." pic.twitter.com/4WH1fElcNl
Cam Newton passed for under 175 yds in 10 games last year
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 4, 2021
the last QB to pass for under 175 yards in at least 10 games?
Mark Sanchez in 2009
yes, I think Mac Jones offered solid value at pick 15 and yes, I think Mac Jones will earn a starting role sooner rather than later https://t.co/0Rgjb8lVNJ
In this micro-version of the Roll Tide-War Eagle rivalry, it’s the former Alabama signal caller getting the vote of confidence from the consensus over two former Auburn football starters under center.
Orlovsky’s reasoning has to do with play-style, which makes sense. Bill Belichick had the familiarity of the G.O.A.T. at the position, Tom Brady, as the leader of the offense for two decades. Going from that to a dual-threat QB in Newton is a difficult adjustment.
Sharp’s reasoning seemed more like a veiled shot at Newton, who struggled in 2020 but was also hit hard by a bout with COVID-19.
Either way, what people think of the quarterback race has very little influence over how things actually go. Here’s hoping Newton, the superior college QB and far more versatile threat, is the one leading New England into the post-Tom Brady era.