Week one of New England Patriots training camp is complete as we look back at what we learned over four days.

The first week of Patriots training camp is in the books with four practices, none in pads, and a very entertaining several days for the fans.

Of course, it was the first instance where the fans were able to see the team in person since the playoff loss to the Titans in January of 2020. In some cases, like quarterback Cam Newton, it was the fans and his first experience in fro not of the crowd with the Patriots.

Speaking of Newton…

Coach Bill Belichick Says Newton Is His Starter

It shouldn’t come as any surprise considering this has been his stance for months and Belichick isn’t known for making rash decisions and giving into (some) public/fan outcry, no matter where they were drafted. Short of an injury or massive regression from Newton, he will likely start a majority, if not all, of the Patriots games in 2021 and it would be the right move.

Upon arriving in New England late during the 2020 offseason, it was never an easy road for Newton. In addition to having to play catch-up from a playbook standpoint, Newton, like the rest of the NFL, didn’t have a chance to work on their game in the preseason. In addition, the Patriots talent void at the offensive skill positions didn’t help matters, and, of course, Newton caught COVID during the season and never quite got right. Given the influx of talent (Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, et. al) and the presumably COVID-free, for Cam, season, the results on the field should be far better. Given all the obstacles a season ago, the former MVP was still dangerous on the ground. Even a marginal improvement in the passing game should lead to a far more successful season overall for Newton and the Patriots offense.

My takeaway from Bill Belichick’s answers to @BenVolin QB questions: It will take a heck of a charge from Mac Jones — or a notable fall-off from Cam Newton — for Newton to lose his current standing as “starting quarterback.” Newton operating with more margin for error. https://t.co/FEILrw5kB3

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 31, 2021

Latest Patriots Training Camp News

Smith, Henry Eager To Create Something Special

Part of the significant upgrades on offense came at the tight end position with the signing of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. The duo was at the top of most people’s list of free-agent tight ends and on back-to-back days they signed in New England. A callback, of sorts, to other great Patriot tight end duos, a fact not lost on Smith who sees what he and Henry can do as potentially special. Will the offense resemble that of the early 2010s with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez? Perhaps, far too early to tell at this point but the potential is certainly there.

“We’ve spent a limited amount of time together, but that is only going to build as we get in the trenches together, go through some grind days and get through some games together,” Henry said last week. “This offense is built for tight ends. They have a tremendous legacy here.”

Stidham To Miss Time Following Surgery

Notably absent from week one of camp, the former Auburn product will miss roughly 12 weeks following surgery to fix a back ailment. It’s a devastating blow to Stidham’s already slim chances of competing for any sort of playing time with the Patriots. He will likely begin the season on the PUP list, opening the door for Brian Hoyer to be the third quarterback, if the Patriots decide to keep more than Newton and Jones. Stidham still has a year remaining on his rookie deal following this season so his future with the team could be in jeopardy beyond 2021. Especially if Jones progresses well and Newton has a bounce-back season.