Cam Newton has had a crazy offseason amid all of the other craziness surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. After seemingly having the Carolina Panthers commit to keeping him as their starter for at least one more season, the franchise chose to release him and sign free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. It took him some time to find a new home, but he ended up signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.
While he signed a deal with the Patriots, he did not come into camp as the clear-cut starter. He had to compete with young signal-caller Jarrett Stidham. However, after the competition, Bill Belichick named Newton his starter for the 2020 season.
Now that Newton has indeed won the starting job, he will start his redemption tour. New England is entering the first season that they haven't had Tom Brady since the 2000 season. Belichick and company want to remain competitive and it will be up to Newton to make sure that happens.
In 2019 with the Panthers, Newton played in just two games before going down with a season-ending injury. Back in 2018, he played in 14 games and completed 67.9 percent of his pass attempts for 3,395 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He also picked up 488 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Newton is out to prove his doubters wrong. He was angry with the way the Panthers treated him on his way out of town. The former MVP definitely deserved more respect than Carolina showed him.
All of that being said, Newton will make his debut with the Patriots in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. It is a home game, which doesn't mean as much as usual due to the fan restrictions. New England will not be allowing any of their fans at their first game.
Let's take a look at three bold predictions for Cam Newton in Week 1 against the Dolphins.
3. At Least 300 Passing Yards And Two Touchdowns
While this may not be considered a “bold” prediction by everyone, it certainly is for a quarterback coming back from a series of injuries like Newton has suffered through. Miami doesn't have a great defense, but Newton will still look sharp with 300 passing yards and two touchdowns in the game.
Seeing him put up numbers will help ease the minds of some Patriots' fans. They won't be superstar or MVP numbers, but they are quality stats from a guy who will get better as the season moves forward.
2. No Turnovers
Another important area that Newton must focus on this season is in the turnover category. Every season prior to 2019, Newton has thrown 10 or more interceptions. In fact, he has not thrown fewer than 13 since the 2016 season.
Granted, Newton is going to throw some interceptions this season. However, they will not start this week. Against the Dolphins, Newton will not throw an interception and he won't fumble either.
Taking care of the football is going to be very important for the Patriots. Newton will need to put up quality numbers without taking too many risks. That effort will begin well this week.
1. Cam Newton Leads The Patriots Victory
In his first game with the Patriots, Newton will lead the franchise to a place they are used to. That place is the win column.
Even without Brady, New England is going to be a quality football team. Newton won the MVP award a few years back for a reason. He is an elite talent and he has the kind of arm that can power a team to the Super Bowl.
New England may not end up making it to the Super Bowl this season, but they are still a playoff contender. With Newton leading the way, the Patriots should still make a play for the AFC East division, with their main competition being the Buffalo Bills.
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