Patriots are sticking with Newton at QB
“That's coach (Belichick)'s decision, and I honor whatever he makes in terms of those choices. We work as hard as we can to get everybody ready to go. I've seen plenty of Jarrett in practice. I see him every day. I've seen him for two years.”
JOSH MCDANIELS, PATRIOTS OC
Look for Cam Newton to start against the Bills.
While there was some thought the Patriots might switch to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham with their playoff fate already determined, don't count on it.
Newton is expected to once again get the nod tonight, according to reports.
While Bill Belichick seemed to leave the possibility open early in the week, with a "we'll see" it became clear later in the week the Patriots head coach was less inclined to make the move to Stidham.
Aggravated about the continued quarterback questions, Belichick said: "How about if I let you know if we're going to make a change?"
On Saturday, during a media availability, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels put the ball in Belichick's court. And based on his remarks, as well as several reports affirming the former NFL MVP, it sounds like Newton will be under center against the Bills.
"That's coach ( Belichick)' s decision, and I honor whatever he makes in terms of those choices," McDaniels said. "We work as hard as we can to get everybody ready to go. I've seen plenty of Jarrett in practice. I see him every day. I've seen him for two years. I'm confident that I understand where Jarrett is at in his development.
"But I also know that our job is to try to go out there and win two football games that we have left. So that starts with Buffalo Monday night. Cam's done a great job of preparing this week. Those choices are Bill's. Whatever he chooses, that's what we're going to do, and I feel confident going in with the plan that we have right now."
So unless the Patriots throw a curveball at the Bills, the plan will have Newton leading an offense that hasn't scored a touchdown in two games.
Newton has only thrown five touchdown passes this season, with 10 interceptions. He's been at his best running the football, with 489 yards on 122 carries, and 11 touchdowns.
In four career game appearances, Stidham has completed 20 of 37 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.