Patriots' Bill Belichick doesn't rule out Cam Newton platoon at QB: 'I would consider anything'
Bill Belichick is the master of holding his cards close to the vest, so his vagueness about the Patriots' starting quarterback competition is expected.
But the New England coach did tell reporters Wednesday that all options are on the table to determine who will see the most reps among Cam Newton, second-year player Jarrett Stidham and veteran Brian Hoyer — including a possible platoon situation.
"It might," Belichick replied when asked whether a two-quarterback system might benefit the team. "I always say I'll do what I think is best for the team, what gives us the best chance to win. Whatever that is, I would definitely consider it — run unbalanced line, double unbalanced line, 23 personnel. Whatever it is, if it helps us win, I would consider anything."
Aside from his four-week suspension in 2016, Tom Brady made any quarterback decisions largely unnecessary for the better part of two decades in New England. But with his departure in free agency to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Belichick and his staff are faced with a decision.
Thus far, the reps among Newton — signed as a free agent on July 8 — Stidham and Hoyer have been evenly split, but Belichick said there will come a time when that will change.
Newton is by far the most accomplished of the trio but is coming off a season-ending foot injury and is the newest addition to the Pats' quarterback room.
"I just haven't had experience working with Cam," Belichick said. "But he works extremely hard. He puts a lot into it, as do Jarrett and Brian."