I'm in the minority, I think it's very possible Mac starts or plays sooner than later. From Gregory Bedard's ...
"There was some 11-on-11 work late in practice at half speed, and it was against the scout team offense playing defense (no real defense on the field) playing off cards. It looked like Josh McDaniels had the players working off a teaching progression in this practice where some of the things they worked on earlier between QBs and WRs, would come together here for a bit.
Newton got up and identified the Mike linebacker. Great. He did that last year, and it's the very basic part of this passing offense. He delivered a ball in the seam a little late, but it was complete.
Jones came up next ... he identified the Mike and also tagged on a slide by the offensive line.
Ok, now I'm paying attention. That's another step up.
Then, Jones and the receiver, Nelson Agholor, both identified what the defense was doing — a weakside blitz — they looked at each other, Agholor pointed.
Then Jones said, "I know."
The ball was snapped, Jones probably didn't even have the laces and fired the ball on the slant into wide-open space.
Jones saw what the defense was going to do, he and the receiver made a slight adjustment, and the Patriots exploited it for a big gain.
That's the freaking Patriots' passing offense.
If that's any indication, Jones is going to be part of this very, very soon" ...
I thought there was a good chance Cam was coming back before the season ended last year. The way things were shaping up, Cam being cheap - great attitude. Him & Bill being on the same page. It makes sense.
That said, Mac was drafted 15th overall and that means something. Even in the Patriots locker room. Cam will empty every bullet but let's face it. He's a streaky player that has been working on his mechanics for over a decade. His physical skills are deteriorating and production along with it. Mac is strong where he's weak and will outshine him in practice, which eventually imo, will get him the job or make for a few tough conversations. He's going to look better in front of coaches, players etc which obviously matters a lot. Like ... Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes? Type of deal.
We'll see how it plays out but I think Mac has a legit shot. We didn't draft with the thought of sitting him imo. Bill is Bill, so Mac will have to rip the job from his cold, white walker-hands but I believe it's very possible that happens.