The Cam Newton era in New England effectively began one year ago today. On June 28, 2020, we learned that the former MVP was signing a one-year deal with the Patriots. While the contract was officially inked on July 8, we’re going to count today as the one-year anniversary.
Newton dealt with a number of injuries during his final seasons with the Panthers, including a 2018 shoulder relapse and 2019 Lisfranc surgery. After barely playing during that 2019 campaign, the Panthers ended up pivoting to Teddy Bridgewater, making their former first-overall pick expendable. The Panthers were unable to find a trade partner for Newton, and they ultimately cut the veteran in late March. Several months later, Newton finally found a suitor in the Patriots, who signed him to an inexpensive, prove-it deal.
Newton was entering a tricky situation with the Patriots. For starters, he was replacing a legendary quarterback in Tom Brady, and it was going to be a major uphill battle for any new signal-caller to somewhat replicate the production and success of the (then) six-time champ. Plus, Newton was limited to only a pair of games in 2019, and instead of getting a full offseason to fully rehab and learn a new system, he lingered in free agency for more than three months. In other words, Newton wasn’t necessarily put in a position to succeed.
Still, with only Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham standing in his way, Newton predictably earned the starting gig. The veteran missed one game while recovering from COVID, but Newton otherwise saw time in 15 games for the Patriots. While the team had a solid 7-8 record with the 2015 MVP under center, Newton’s numbers were disappointing. He still showed his usual talent on the ground, collecting 592 rushing yards and 12 scores (plus a receiving touchdown), but he only threw for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Following that 2020 performance, many assumed that Newton wouldn’t be in New England in 2021. However, the Patriots ended up re-signing the 32-year-old to a one-year pact that could be worth up to $13.6MM. Plus, following a 2020 season where Newton’s targets were mostly unproven, the team brought in a number of free agent weapons, including Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, and Kendrick Bourne. This time around, it seems that the Patriots were actually putting their veteran in a position to succeed.
Of course, the difference this time around is that Newton faces some formidable competition from first-round quarterback Mac Jones. While it sounds like the Patriots may initially lean on Newton as their starter, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the rookie takes over if (or when) the veteran struggles.
With a year of hindsight, it’s tough to describe the Patriots/Newton pairing as a success. The two sides have a chance to reverse that narrative in 2021, but there’s a better chance that the veteran eventually finds himself as a backup.
You’re not winning in 2021 with Can Newton as the starting QB.
2022???
Ugh
Remember when Cam was a quarterback?
The passing game was not pretty with Newton, nor was it pretty with any other starters. Newton was by far the best of all of them, though, and one reason 2020 was awful was the pitiful play by the crowd of inexperienced receivers the Patriots fielded. Edelman was the only proven pass catcher that played, and he barely did that last year-and when he did, he seemed much less motivated than before, or at least much less effective. I understand that the season’s difficulties impacted the installation of a new offense with new starters pretty heavily, and I expect the offense to be much better this year.
However, I don’t know if the Pats’ record will be better. The rest of the division improved across the board, and the Pats stole a few easy wins that may not be there next year. Cam will likely be better this year with a full offseason in the offense, but he looks much worse throwing the ball now than he did prior to his injury a few years ago.
Jones will likely start at some point, but his success will depend on the effectiveness of these receivers. If they do not improve, Jones will not improve the Pats’ chances. I expect the new TEs to make the biggest difference, but because the Pats relied so much on Newton’s running ability to augment the offense last year, their receivers will have even more slack to carry if Jones does end up starting. Damien Harris, I expect, will also see a big increase in carries to help take pressure off the passing game, which will have to improve no matter who starts.
Worst Pats QB since Hugh Millen! Dude was washed up 5 years ago. Scam is strait trash, hope Jones balls out and they cut him before the season starts.
Dare to dream