AP photo The New England Patriots have reportedly named Cam Newton as their starting quarterback.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — It’s official: Cam Newton is the New England Patriots starting quarterback.

According to several reports Newton, whom the Patriots signed to a one-year contract two months ago, was named the starter by Patriots coach Bill Belichick in a team meeting this afternoon.

Also, according to reports, the former longtime Carolina Panther QB was named a team captain. He is now the official successor to longtime New England QB Tom Brady, who signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent.

The move wasn’t really a surprise as Newton had gotten the bulk of the first-team snaps during training camp. He beat out veteran Brian Hoyer, who also got a lot of snaps, and second-year QB Jarrett Stidham. Stidham had a disappointing camp, and was hampered for part of it with a lower body injury.