Rodney Harrison knows what it’s like to go to the New England Patriots at the end of his NFL career and play with head coach Bill Belichick, and he is optimistic that Cam Newton will fit in perfectly with Foxboro.
Newton was released by the Carolina Panthers in March after spending the first nine seasons of his career with that franchise. The 31-year-old quarterback signed a one-year contract with the Patriots earlier in the offseason and aims to get his career back on track after two injury-ridden seasons in 2018 and 2019.
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Harrison was invited on a recent episode of ProFootballTalk on NBC Sports, and explained why Newton is just what the doctor ordered him in New England.
“Cam Newton was the missing piece,” said Harrison. “He comes in, automatically gives them a spark, gives them some energy and gives them some hope. You have no hope with Jarrett Stidham because you don’t know what he’s capable of. At least with Cam Newton, you know exactly what he’s done in the past. If he’s healthy, you know he has a healthy core around him, a great defense and a great coaching staff. I think he’s going to be successful (in New England). “
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Harrison also expressed why this opportunity with the Patriots and what is at stake for Newton at this stage in his career will be a great motivation for the veteran quarterback entering the 2020 season.
“Cam Newton is fighting for his football career,” said Harrison. “Forget about everything he’s done in the past. If he can’t beat Jarrett Stidham in the first place, it will be a career backup. His career as if we knew it ended. Cam Newton is more focused, more humble, more motivated than never and he’s more upset. This is the same situation I was in. When you come to a new team and you get a chance to play for Bill Belichick, and you have a lot of respect for who he is. And what he’s accomplished, you just want to be part of something great.
Cam Newton has won over $ 100 million, has been to the Super Bowl, has had All-Pros and Pro Bowls and all those different things. She has been MVP of the league. Now you want to log in and acclimatize to the system and just fit in. I think Cam is going to do a great job. I think he has a lot of respect for coach Belichick, Josh McDaniels. I think he respects the entire Patriots organization. “
Newton has yet to win the starting quarterback job on Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Belichick is going to be the best player because he always puts the team first. But if Newton is healthy and able to regain much of the form that made him an NFL quarterback between 12-15, not so long ago, the Patriots could be pretty tough to beat during the 2020 season.
