If Cam can’t beat Jarrett Stidham for the initial job and / or Brian Hoyer for a spot on the roster, it’s over. And considering how Newton’s past two seasons have been plagued by injuries, as well as ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report that the Browns were the only other team that showed slight interest in the 2015 NFL MVP, it’s reasonable. Suppose the days of SuperCam are over.
Cam turned 31 in May. Shoulder and foot injuries have significantly affected their dynamism. In his last eight starts, since early November 2018, Newton is 0-8 with more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (9). In that span, he averaged a paltry 18 yards per game without a single rushing touchdown. Once a double threat monster with amazing physical features, Newton has been a shell of his former self. This is why Panthers new coach Matt Rhule successfully upgraded Teddy Bridgewater. That’s why Chargers coach Anthony Lynn ignored Cam’s screams, stuck with the athletic veteran he knows (Tyrod Taylor) and selected a future quarterback (Justin Herbert). That’s why former Cam coach Ron Rivera traded a fifth round for Kyle Allen instead of just signing Cam to join him in the Redskins.
As is often the case when Bill Belichick’s Patriots bring in a renowned player, however, enthusiasm for Newton’s relocation to New England has been out of control for the past 48 hours …
With Belichick and Josh McDaniels at the controls, Cam is back! The Pats are once again the team to beat in the AFC East! See you at the Super Bowl, Tom Brady!
I’m just not there. As in all. I don’t think this changes the perspective of the Patriots’ 2020 win-loss record a bit. As I said on my CBS Sports Network show, Schein timeThis is not a savior situation, it is a midfielder. A flyer that does make sense, considering the current state of the New England QB room, but a flyer nonetheless. And I find it hard to imagine it bearing much fruit.
That said, it seems like I’m in the minority here. Many suddenly anticipate great things from Cam and the Pats in 2020. These outsized expectations put the pressure on the roof. Oh, and did I mention that Cam is replacing the greatest quarterback of all time?
