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The New England Patriots will play their first preseason game against the Washington Football Team tonight and fans will get a first look at Mac Jones at quarterback.
Jones is expected to take over the starting job from Cam Newton at some point this year, but it's still unclear when. The only thing that is clear for now is that Newton will start the game and Jones will lead the second unit later.
The quarterback battle in New England has been a hot topic since the draft and we will get more answers after tonight's match against Washington.
What to watch out for in the Cam Newton vs. Mac Jones battle during NFL preseason Week 1
#1 - When will Mac Jones take the field?
Starting quarterbacks don't usually play more than two or three drives in their first NFL preseason game, but that is only if they are the incumbent starter.
Cam Newton will likely play the entire first quarter. The point when Mac Jones enters the game will provide us with a clue about his development. If it's in the first quarter and he plays more than Newton, the veteran will seemingly have the lead in their competition. If it's not until the second quarter or second half and Mac Jones plays a similar amount, then neither has the advantage yet.
#2 - More pass plays or run plays
Look out for how many run plays the Patriots call during the game.
If the team calls more runs than passes when Newton and Jones are on the field, that could indicate that the coaches don't have much faith in their quarterbacks yet. Also, keep an eye on which quarterback attempts more passes.
#3 - Does Brian Hoyer factor into the game?
The focus will be on Cam Newton and Mac Jones, but what about the other quarterbacks on the depth chart? Jarrett Stidham is out injured and Brian Hoyer is the only other quarterback that will suit up for tonight's game.
Will he even get on the field for Week 1? It seems likely that Mac Jones and Cam Newton will play a quarter each and Hoyer will get his reps in the second half. In Week 2, we will likely see Newton and Jones play a half each.
#4 - Overall performance of each QB
Fans, coaches and the media will analyze every play that Newton and Jones are on the field for.
Does Cam Newton still rely on his instincts to run, or does he plant his feet and make a play through the air? Can Mac Jones transfer his accuracy in training camp to a game?
Bill Belichick and his coaching staff will be dissecting each play to see if Newton is a better passer than in 2020 and if Jones can keep up with the NFL defenses.
#5 - Will the second-string WRs kill Mac Jones' momentum?
Cam Newton will play with the Patriots' first-team offense that features the likes of Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and Jonnu Smith.
Mac Jones should have James White to throw to, but beyond that, it will be special teamers like Matthew Slater and Gunner Olszewski. Jones won't have the team's top playmakers on the field, but he will have to make it work.
Also Read: Who is Cam Newton's girlfriend, La Reina Shaw?
