Let's clear out the notebook and mind a little bit before real football returns this week with PADS...
1. Do I think Mac Jones needs to decisively win the QB competition to start the opener? Yes. Do I think that is possible? Yes. If you were despondent by Bill Belichick saying "Cam's our starting quarterback" the other day (I'm looking at you, member Mike A.), relax a bit. Belichick said the truth. Jones has done nothing to supplant Newton after four days. There's nothing Jones could have done to do that. Belichick saying he anticipates the decision to be hard ... that's the good stuff. There is a long way to go.
2. Here's the biggest difference you see between the QBs, and this may ultimately be the deciding factor when all is said and done: Newton looks dramatically improved on his timing when it comes to the pre-scripted plays. But on the rare occasions (so far, like Saturday afternoon) when Josh McDaniels is just calling plays in competitive situations, Newton goes back to holding the ball while Jones knows what he's doing before he gets to his drop. At some point in time, this is something Newton can't change — he's a see it, throw it passer — and will push Jones into the starting job. When? No one knows.
3. I'm not sure Jones is going to have enough time to make Belichick comfortable to start the opener — strictly due to the new schedule. The opening week schedule is just brutal. Seven days to get into pads?! There's a preseason game a week from Thursday, for crying out loud.
4. I've been much more impressed with the Patriots' new receivers than the tight ends.
5. Nelson Agholor isn't perfect, but he's got great inside/outside versatility and he has some shake off the line.
6. I can see why the 49ers LOVED Kendrick Bourne and hated to see him go. The guy explodes off the line and he's great the top of the route, making him tough to cover. It feels like he's caught about 35 touchdowns on outs to the sideline so far in camp. Plus, the guy's energy is off the charts. I'm not sure who to even compare him to in that regard.
7. I'm a little worried about Hunter Henry getting off the line against the better defenses — if they get physical with him. I think I remember this being the book on him with the Chargers. Of course, some teams don't ever press the TE, so it might not matter much. The Bills won't. The Dolphins will. Jets might. Henry is not exactly Mr. Burst off the line. Also stiff in the hips.
8. Give me Jonnu Smith on shallow crossers all day.
9. Gunner Olszewski is not going to remind anyone of Julian Edelman on pass routes, but he's become pretty reliable.
10. N'Keal Harry is about the same. He'll make a play that intrigues you, then he looks ordinary.
11. Impossible to tell anything on line play, but Christian Barmore has gotten some sub package looks early.
12. Wish I could been a fly on the shoulder of Tedy Bruschi when he visited. Appeared Belichick was explaining the whole defensive approach this year, including what the heck they are doing with Deatrich Wise and why.
13. A lot of three-man looks with Wise. Kind of interesting. Can't disclose much until it's shown in a game or joint practice. Wish I had film to study and figure out if it's really going to work.
14. Henry Anderson has been in the middle of a lot of plays so far.
15. Yes, I love it when I see Lawrence Guy and Davon Godchaux break the huddle and just stand in the middle. Can't wait to see that in pads.
16. Josh Uche and Kyle Dugger are really coming along. Uche is all over the field, Dugger is much better in coverage. Those guys are a big key moving forward.
17. It kind of scares me when Jalen Mills and then Michael Jackson are on the field as Stephon Gilmore replacements. I don't trust Mills in man situations yet.
18. Quinn Nordin is not making the team over Nick Folk. I would be more than stunned.
19. Kyle Van Noy keeps repping plays in a red jersey. The guy wants to work. Wonder how much the Dolphins cutting him has motivated him?
20. Myles Bryant is still getting a lot of good reps with the starters. D'Angelo Ross has definitely tumbled since last year for some reason.