I'm OK with being on an island on this one. In fact, I hope I'm wrong.
I've made clear since halfway through last year that I was over the Newton experiment. I dont think the overall offense was as bad as people thought, but that team could not get into a hole and survive. I thought it would be fun to see how a new offense played after so many years of Brady. The first few weeks were fun, and then it wasnt.
This offense, however, is now tailored to Cam. Like, they literally spent the offseason building it for Cam.
A fucking MONSTER offensive line. Decent depth at RB. Big TE targets that can block, catch inaccurate throws, but also feast in the middle where the inaccuracy should be less of an issue. A deep threat who will probably not have a ton of yards, but will get enough looks to command help over the top, opening up those tight ends more.
This offense was made for Newton. The back 7 is going to have to turn their backs to cover the seams and the top of the defense. Itll have to spread to the sideline to protect against James White, crossing slot receivers like Bourne, and out/option routes by the tight ends.
Hes going to have room to scramble and improvise. Alot. Of course, all of those things are useful for any QB. But even more so for a guy that leans on primary options and then improvising.
All of that is to say, the Patriots spent alot of time and money creating a flexible offense that sure seems tailored to someone like Cam. 1st option, RPO, spread the field - horizontally and vertically - for space to improvise.
Between the offseasons roster construction, BB never wavering last season, bringing him back (and even though he probably wasnt highly desired, it says something that he came back to continue to build back his reputation), stating emphatically twice - once when directly asked about naming a week 1 starter - that Cam was the starter...I dunno. I'm surprised that I'm the only one that's put these puzzle pieces together as a clear vote of confidence for Cam.
Again, if he sucks? Of course hes out. But they're going to give him plenty of rope on this. My bet is theyre competing for a playoff spot and Cam starts every game unless injured. If he stinks, I still dont think you see Mac until week 10+. I mean, we were all bullish on the Patriots offseason and potential playoff roster well before they drafted Mac. I think the Patriots were, too. Drafting Mac was never about this year.