While Cam Newton surely hasn't shown his normal star stature that he developed through his nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick isn't ready to give up on the quarterback just yet.
Belichick on @OMFonWEEI on sticking Cam Newton for Week 8:
“Well, I think he’s our best player there. Again, there are other problems offensively and things we need to do better. That’s what we’re going to work on. We have to find ways to be more productive.”
— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) October 26, 2020
Belichick normally isn't one for words, but he's well aware of the scrutiny his Patriots squad is under right now, with Newton taking the bulk of the blame from spectators. The former University of Auburn quarterback hasn't been himself since returning from quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. While Newton has denied that any lingering effects from the virus is affecting his play, his stats would suggest otherwise.
As time ticked away on a blowout 33-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Belichick decided to go with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after Newton threw his third interception of the game — signaling that his performance wasn't going to end on a high note. In time since, Belichick has stated that he only went to Stidham to get the backup some extra experience seeing as how the game was practically over.
Newton finished the outing completing only 60 percent of his passes while throwing an alarming three interceptions. While the Patriots are saving face with saying that Newton will remain their guy going forward, it doesn't do them any favors for the near future. They'll face a powerhouse squad in the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. If they manage to be victorious, they'll get what should be a sure-win against the New York Jets in Week 9 to help steer them on the right path of returning to dominance in the AFC East.
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