One big happy family.

That’s pretty much the impression we were getting from the three main New England Patriot quarterbacks on Friday – Cam Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer – made available to the media for the first time this training camp via video call.

Yeah, it was a big day. We finally got Newton, who was fairly evasive about his health but professed to be A-OK.

He’s coming here on his resume, and boldly declared that “I don’t have to prove nuthin. … especially not to nobody. I have to prove to myself, that’s a daily challenge, and I don’t think anyone’s expectations will ever surpass my expectations for myself. I’m just looking forward to the challenge.

“This is a new team. I’ve been geared to one particular team and one particular city. … that’s been the interesting part.”

So the question remains, is this a quarterback competition, or is this Newton’s job to lose? You’d have to think the latter. Ironically, both Newton and Stidham are listed on the team’s depth chart as co-starters.

Sure, Newton will have to show Bill Belichick – who wouldn’t talk about the QB situation, saying there was only one walk through so far – that something is wrong, you figure, to not get the job. And sure, there could be something wrong, even though when Newton was grilled about his health, he said, despite talking about working with the trainers to get ready for the season opener, “At this particular point in time, I’m full go.”

Translation: He’s probably still not 100 percent.

Second year QB and fellow Auburn alum (with Newton) Jarrett Stidham said he was in Texas when he heard of Newton’s signing, and was thrilled. OK.

“Honestly I was excited” he said. “An opportunity to compete with another great player.”

Oh yeah, everybody’s excited.

“Nobody really knows how excited I am just to be a part of this organization,” Newton said, “in many ways than one. Just following up such a powerful dynasty. … A lot of people would hide from the notion to do certain things, but for me this opportunity is something I wake up pinching myself each and every day. It’s so surreal.”

Oh, so surreal for all of us, especially for all of you Patriot fans, even the media, etc. Tom Brady is in Tampa all gung ho, and for the first time since just before the Super Bowl in February of 2002 we don’t exactly know who the New England Patriots starting quarterback is. We have an idea, because it certainly doesn’t sound like Newton is here to hold a clipboard.

“You compete every year,” Newton said. “It doesn’t matter how much a person’s paid, doesn’t matter how much a person’s experience (is),or how much a person knows or doesn’t know. … At end of day it’s about proving your worth and doing your part.”

Stidham says the atmosphere with the quarterbacks has been fine.

“It’s been really great” he said, noting he had lunch with Newton a few years ago after practice at Auburn one day when Newton came to talk. “It’s a really great room. Hoyer who has a ton of experience, a lot here, and Cam, who played in a Super Bowl. It’s really great experience to learn from these guys.”

Ah, yes, Hoyer. He revealed he bought a house in the New England area last November so it was a natural for him to come back to a place he’s so familiar with. The guess here is Hoyer will stick a s a third QB because with COVID-19 concerns, you’ll need that extra player at the position.

Yes, we all thought it was Stidham’s job, didn’t we? He still talks about leadership, etc., which makes you feel he thinks it still is that way.

“I don’t really look at it as replacing Tom Brady,” he said. “I just want ot be myself, be a leader for this team, be the best teammate I can be.”

And the best competitor.

“Regardless of who it is for me, I’m going to compete each and every single day at the highest level,” Stidham said, adding “I think I’ve approached this off season kind of the same from January up to now talking to you guys.”

So here we go. Believe what you want. Once the full practices start on Aug. 17 or so, the scrutiny will be incredible.

“We’re all in that room together,” Stidham said. “We’re all there to help each other. That’s what it’s all about.”

It’s really all about Cam Newton. He’s either the starter or he may not be here.

Tom King can be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or on twitter @Telegraph _TomK.

Newsletter