Training camp is in session, and teams across the league are already disclosing their plans for the upcoming season. While anything can happen between now and Week 1, the latest NFL rumors suggest that Cam Newton will start for the New England Patriots. In other news, the Buffalo Bills will use a committee approach at running back, while Austin Ekeler believes he’s ready for a breakout season.
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NFL Rumors: Cam Newton, Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Austin Ekeler
Bill Belichick: Cam Is Our Starter
Longtime Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had a rough time during his first year in Foxboro. Taking over for the departed Tom Brady, Newton finished the season completing 65.8% of his passes for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding another 12 scores on the ground. Newton was at or near the bottom of just about every quarterback statistic, and the Patriots drafted Mac Jones to eventually take over.
With all that being said, Newton is still the top option for New England. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, head coach Bill Belichick said that “Cam’s our starting quarterback” while adding that he’s going to “take a look at the whole situation” as training camp progresses.
Belichick this morning:
"Cam's our starting quarterback."
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) July 31, 2021
This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise for anyone. Even though Newton struggled last year, he was put in a terrible situation. The quarterback didn’t have a real offseason and was working with arguably the worst supporting cast in the league. Mac Jones will run the show eventually, but it appears as though this is Newton’s job to lose.
Brandon Beane: Bills to Use “Hot Hand” Approach At Running Back
The Buffalo Bills have one of the best offenses in the league despite having a relatively underwhelming group of running backs. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss didn’t do too much to impress last year, but the organization felt comfortable bringing those two back without adding any major competition. However, general manager Brandon Beane does not expect either player to earn a three-down role.
Speaking to reporters, the general manager said that he expects offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to roll with a “hot hand” approach at the position. Beane also added that both he and Devin Singletary himself were disappointed in the running back’s play last year, and both parties expect an improved performance in 2021.
While this is obviously unfortunate news for fantasy football fans, it shouldn’t be too surprising for Buffalo. Ever since LeSean McCoy slowed down, the team has primarily utilized a two-man backfield. For the second straight year, those two pieces appear to be Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.
Austin Ekeler Wants To Win Your Fantasy Football League
The relationship between real football and fantasy football is one of the most interesting dynamics in the league. While some players aren’t fond of the game within the game, others seem to enjoy the added element of fantasy scoring. Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is firmly in the second category, as he told fantasy football players everywhere to draft him if they want fantasy points.
Austin Ekeler: “If you want fantasy points, you better have me on your team.” #Chargers pic.twitter.com/43yhgHaTSF
— Gilberto Manzano (@GManzano24) July 30, 2021
Ekeler definitely knows what he’s talking about, as he was one of the top running backs in the league last year on a per-game basis. In addition to being a fantastic talent, the former undrafted free agent also saw a massive workload as both a runner and receiver. With no real competition on the depth chart, Ekeler should be in for a career season if he can stay healthy.
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