Mark Daniels

Thursday

Aug 20, 2020 at 12:05 PM


FOXBORO – On Day 4 of Patriots quarterback watch 2020, Cam Newton took the lead.


That was the biggest takeaway from Thursday’s full-padded session as Newton continues to look more and more comfortable in the Patriots system. After throwing two interceptions on Wednesday, Newton started strong on this day. He still has some moments where he’s a bit hesitate, but the improvement has been notable.


Unlike the first three practices, the quarterbacks [...]

FOXBORO – On Day 4 of Patriots quarterback watch 2020, Cam Newton took the lead.


That was the biggest takeaway from Thursday’s full-padded session as Newton continues to look more and more comfortable in the Patriots system. After throwing two interceptions on Wednesday, Newton started strong on this day. He still has some moments where he’s a bit hesitate, but the improvement has been notable.


Unlike the first three practices, the quarterbacks didn’t get an even split at this practice. Jarrett Stidham’s reps were scaled back and had less work today than he had the other three days. It’s possible that the coaching staff wanted to give Stidham a lighter day. However, it was notable that Stidham’s play wasn’t great. He threw two interceptions and now has seven over the last three practices.


Here’s how the quarterbacks fared:


Jarrett Stidham


Well, it wasn’t great. It’s one thing to have your workload scaled back and it’s another to take advantage of every opportunity. Stidham didn’t take any reps in 7-on-7s today. When he was inserted into the lineup in full-team drills, his play wasn’t great. He threw two interceptions in a row – to Myles Bryant and Justin Bethel – and neither throw was great.


Overall, Stidham finished 2/6 with two interceptions. His two completions went to J.J. Taylor and Devin Ross. After four days, he’s 29/43 (67%) with seven interceptions.


Cam Newton


Newton started strong and it was noticeable that he looks a little more comfortable in the pocket. He connected with the first three receivers he threw to in team drills. He started the practice going 6/8. Newton’s play evened off a little. He had a couple of misfires and was late on a throw to Damiere Byrd, who dropped the pass. Overall, Newton commanded the offense and continues to improve.


Overall, Newton finished 10/17 on the day. He went 3/4 in 7-on-7s and 7/13 in full-team drills. He connected with James White three times, Ross twice, Byrd, Mohamed Sanu, Rex Burkhead, Taylor and Jakobi Meyers. After four days, he’s 31/50 (62%) with two interceptions.


Brian Hoyer


Hoyer had a rough start on Thursday, but settled down and finished strong. In 7-on-7s, he started 0/4 with his first interception to Bryant. After starting 2/6 in full-team work, Hoyer completed his next four passes in a row. It was the best stretch by a quarterback in practice on Thursday. He finished 7/12 in 1—on-11s.


Overall, Hoyer was 7/16 with an interception. He connected with Isaiah Zuber, Ross, Alex Ellis, Byrd, Gunner Olszewski, Jakob Johnson and Rex Burkhead. In four practices, Hoyer is 30/53 (57%) with one interception.


ProJo’s opinion on the Patriots quarterback battle: After today, Newton is in the lead. He’s getting more comfortable in the system and gives the offense more versatility.


mdaniels@providencejournal.com


On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ