New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Remains Coy Over Starting QB Role Involving Cam Newton

It’s been a year since the New England Patriots released Tom Brady. And even now their search for a stable QB1 continues. The franchise signed former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton to fill in for Brady.

And it’s safe to say that Cam Newton had a relatively underwhelming 2020 season. The QB threw 8 touchdowns for 10 interceptions as his side fell to a 7-9 record.

Their first season with a losing record in a long time and their first playoff miss in over a decade. But the New England Patriots seem open to the idea of giving Cam Newton another shot.

Newton was recently signed by the franchise to another 1-year deal that will see him stay with the franchise till the season end. This, however, does not seem to guarantee a starting spot for Cam Newton.

New England Patriots rally behind Cam Newton

During a recent press conference, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft seemed supportive of Cam Newton when asked about the QB’s performances.

“I think in fairness to Cam (Newton), I am not sure he had the proper weapons around him last year,” he said.

Kraft said that there are a lot of other factors too that contributed towards Newton’s poor showing last season. Including his bout with COVID-19.

Newton’s poor performances even saw him getting benched for backup QB Jarrett Stidham. And while the Patriots owner did rally in support of Newton, NFL reporter Ryan Hannable tweeted that Kraft did say that Stidham didn’t get a real shot at that QB1 role either.

One last shot for Newton?

The New England Patriots have spent big in the free agency market ahead of next season. Having acquired several offensive weapons including the likes of tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, the Patriots are looking to amend the mistakes of last year.

Newton, who struggled due to lack of options, will now have a bunch of new stars to take aim at. The former MVP showed glimpses of his former self over the course of the 2020 season.

But a lack of consistency almost ended up costing Cam Newton his job. The 2021 season could be Newton’s final shot at redemption. Go 7-9 again, and his time could very well be up.

ALSO READ   New England Patriots’ Devin McCourty Weighs In on Facing Tom Brady in 2021