Source: Cam Newton named Patriots starting QB

FOXBORO, Mass. — Cam Newton has officially been named the Week One starter at quarterback for the Patriots, a source has confirmed to Boston 25′s Butch Stearns.

However, on a Friday morning news conference, head coach Bill Belichick told member of the press he wasn’t going to be naming any starters just yet.

“We’re not naming any starters at any positions so any conversations that I have between me and the team will stay between me and the team,” said Belichick.

The Patriots also announced their captains Thursday afternoon. Matthew Slater, David Andrews, James White, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Lawrence Guy, Devin McCourty and Jason McCourty join Newton as captains.

Cam Newton named Patriots starting QB

Newton, signed as a free agent this summer, has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic and commitment since arriving in Foxboro. The Patriots open the 2020 season at home against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.

A ten-year veteran from Auburn, Newton was named NFL MVP in 2015, when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record and a trip to Super Bowl 50. He has battled injuries the last two seasons and was made available when Carolina committed to Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has praised Newton while speaking with the media recently.

During an appearance on Sirius XM’s NFL Radio, Belichick said, “I can see why he had the kind of success he had at Auburn and Carolina. Talking to people who were with him there, the things they said about him at Auburn and at Carolina from a decade ago or two to three years ago or even last year, it’s all the same and it showed up here. He’s an extremely hard worker. Nobody works harder than Cam does. He’s here early, he stays late, and he works very hard.”

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