USA Today via Reuters
Nov 22, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 22, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to the start of the 2020 NFL season, the New England Patriots were on the hunt for a big-name quarterback due to the departure of the legendary Tom Brady.
Coach Bill Belichick ultimately settled on NFL 2015 MVP Cam Newton, who signed a 1-year deal with the AFC East franchise.
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However, his debut season in Massachusetts did not go as per plan. Newton finished the season with a 7-9 record, throwing for 2,657 yards with 8 passing TDs against 10 interceptions.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 27, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The former Carolina Panthers man further rushed for 592 yards with an impressive tally of 12 rushing TDs. There were reports that coach Belichick was ready to move on from the veteran quarterback. But the latest developments indicate otherwise.
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Cam Newton signs another 1-year contract with New England Patriots
Patriots are re-signing Cam Newton to a one-year deal, per @globejimmcbride
Newton: 70.9 PFF Grade in 2020 (22nd) pic.twitter.com/CeGdjStVGp
— PFF (@PFF) March 12, 2021
In recent years, Cam Newton has dealt with his fair share of injuries. But he was determined to silence his doubters ahead of his maiden season with Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots.
He started the season off on a strong note, but his form dipped midway. He was also diagnosed with COVID-19, which kept him away from the starting line-up for a couple of weeks.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 13, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
But if the latest reports are anything to go by, then Newton has a shot at redeeming himself and securing a long-term deal with the Patriots in 2022.
One can argue that Newton has been at the receiving end of some unfair criticism from analysts. Admittedly, his throwing numbers could have been better, but he remains one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, along with Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray.
This was also Newton’s first year in coach Belichick’s offensive system. He is bound to get better with time. The return of Julian Edelman along with some positive picks at the 2021 NFL Draft could help Newton rediscover his mojo in the coming months.
Only time will tell if the Cam Newton experiment pays off for the Patriots. But a 1-year deal means that this is a risk worth taking. Watch this space for more.
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