Did the Carolina Panthers do Bill Belichick a solid by passing up on Mac Jones?

Would the New England Patriots, or even the Panthers, be better off with Cam Newton under center right now?

And which Patriots should fans take note of ahead of this Week 9 matchup?

We asked Patriots Wire managing editor Henry McKenna for his takes on these topics and more.

Panthers Wire: Although head coach Matt Rhule has had nothing but praise to heap upon quarterback Mac Jones, Carolina did end up passing on him back in April’s draft. So how has the rookie looked thus far and how thankful should the Patriots be, as they may have their guy of the future, of the Panthers’ decision?

Patriots Wire: The Patriots played it cool during the draft process. There was even the sense that the Patriots wanted guard Alijah Vera-Tucker at 15th, which might have been why the Jets traded up to grab him.

If they were tepid about adding Mac Jones in April, they no longer feel that way. He been a perfect fit for the organization, with dogged work ethic and a massive commitment to winning. He’s a quick thinker with an aptitude for working the pocket. His biggest weakness (and it’s significant) is his inability to attack the entire field.

The Patriots have made a point of using a dink-and-dunk offense to keep Jones in his comfort zone.

Panthers Wire: Handing the reins over to Jones was, of course, the right decision for Bill Belichick and the Patriots to make if they were serious about their future. But, just for a fun “What if?” considering who they’re matching up with this week, would New England currently be a more viable contender at the moment if they kept Cam Newton under center?

Patriots Wire: It’s definitely fun to consider.

In my mind, the Patriots would probably have the same record at this point, if they’d gone with Newton at the outset of the season. MAYBE they would have won one more game. But it’s hard to say. My guess, too, is that the Patriots offense has more upside with Jones improving on a weekly basis.

But imagine Newton and Stephon Gilmore getting their revenge games this week? That would be a super fun narrative.

Panthers Wire: Newton, of course, is garnering some buzz amongst the Panthers fan base considering their current quarterback troubles. From what you’ve seen last season and from the lead-up into the 2021 campaign, do you think Cam still has enough juice left to serve as a legitimate starter?

Patriots Wire: For sure, yes. Considering how dire the QB situation is in Carolina, the Panthers should consider him.

He and Jones were neck and neck in training camp, and the Patriots ultimately had to prioritize the younger player with upside. But if Carolina needs a steady veteran and a gravitational leader, then Newton could be great.

Panthers Wire: Enough about quarterbacks. They get enough attention already. How about the campaign running back Damien Harris is having? How much has the third-year rusher meant to this offense?

Patriots Wire: He’s been huge. He fumbled away a win in Week 1 against the Dolphins — and that was tough for the back. He took it hard, clearly.

However, he has run angry since that game. He has also stepped up as a leader in a locker room which has needed just that. Harris is the centerpiece of the offense.

It’s clear the Patriots want Jones to do more. But when he struggles, New England knows it can turn to Harris.

Panthers Wire: And let’s end by giving Panthers fans a Patriot to keep an eye on this Sunday. Which player, who’s overlooked or otherwise, could make a surprising impact for New England in Week 9?

Patriots Wire: My sense is that Jalen Mills will need to have a big game. J.C. Jackson’s status is in question for the game, which would thrust Mills into the CB1 role.

If Mills gets toasted all game long (with Gilmore on the field for the other team), that’ll be a rough scene for Belichick. Mills has been inconsistent, with a few strong performances and a few stinkers at CB2. But it’s likely that CB1 is too much to ask of the cornerback.

That’s not even counting the chain reaction further down the depth chart, with the team thin after losing cornerback Jonathan Jones for the season to an injury.