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Update Sep 4, 9:01 a.m.: Bill Belichick refuses to publicly name him or any other starters, per reporter Michael Giardi which seems par for the course for the Hoodie. But it seems safe to say Newton will be starting when Week 1 arrives.
This won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone, but Cam Newton has been named the Patriots starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. Newton, who the Patriots picked up on the cheap after the Carolina Panthers released him, was clearly ahead of Jarrett Stidham throughout camp and with just over a week until opening kickoff, the team made it official.
In addition to being named the Patriots' starting QB, as @globejimmcbride reported, Cam Newton was voted one of three Patriots' offensive captains (James White & David Andrews).
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2020
A testament to the immediate mark he's made as a leader in just over two months in New England.
We haven’t heard a whole lot about Newton wowing with his ability in training camp, but we have heard that he has been an extremely hard worker and learned the playbook quickly. Plus, his attitude has been infectious, likely leading to him being voted the team captain in his short time with the team.
Even coach Bill Belichick heaped praise on his attitude and work ethic:
Bill Belichick with some extremely high praise for Cam Newton on @SiriusXMNFL. Said Newton is in the "top echelon" of competitors that he's coaches. pic.twitter.com/RfBzQFfkR4
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) August 31, 2020
Newton won’t have Christian McCaffrey or Greg Olsen or D.J. Moore in Foxborough, but he gets a fast-paced offense and should continue to perform well. As long as he can stay healthy, Newton should be a useful fantasy player this season.