The Patriots are releasing Cam Newton in a surprising move. Newton, who signed as a free agent last summer and started 15 games in 2020, re-signed this off-season. He played in all three preseason games and appeared to be the projected starter going into the season.

The move was unexpected, especially because Newton looked more comfortable in the Patriots system this off season. He played well in the Patriots pre-season win over the Eagles two weeks ago.

Any chance of him securing the starting job however were dashed last week when Newton missed one practice and two joint practices against the Giants due to a COVID rule violation. One has to wonder if those missed practices sealed his fate. Especially because rookie Mac Jones took advantage of the extra reps and performed so well in those practices.

Belichick has always done what’s best for the team and this is yet another example of it. Obviously he and Josh McDaniels saw enough from Jones this preseason that they believe he is ready.

Jones certainly has plenty of pieces around him to succeed. He is not going to be asked to win games. He going to manage the offense and make plays when he’s called upon.

Ultimately, it is all about system fit. Jones is the better fit. He allows the Patriots to do the things they want to do. Now the young quarterback has to step and perform. The pressure is on but as we have seen in the short time Jones has been, he is up to the challenge.

It is a bold move by Belichick. One that Patriots fans hope pays off.