The New England Patriots — for the first time since 2008 — have been eliminated from playoff contention. However, quarterback Cam Newton still has plenty left to play for.
Newton will get the start in New England's Week 16 matchup against the red-hot Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. It will mark the veteran QB's 14th start of the season for the Patriots, and his performance could determine whether he gets any more in the future.
#Patriots QB Cam Newton is expected to start against the #Bills on Monday Night Football, per source. Despite some questions about Jarrett Stidham this week, Newton is slated to start barring a late change.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 26, 2020
Newton, 31, signed a one-year, incentive-laden minimum deal with the Patriots in July after receiving little to no interest in the free agency market.
Bill Belichick's signing initially looked like a bargain, as the former MVP led his team to a Week 1 victory and went toe-to-toe with Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson in a Week 2 shootout.
Unfortunately, it's all been downhill for Newton since then. The former no. 1 overall pick tested positive for COVID-19 in early October and has tossed three touchdowns against eight interceptions with a 75.7 QB rating since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
A few weeks ago, Newton acknowledged his uncertain job status with the Patriots.
“I think the biggest thing is I’m just trying to maximize on the things that I know I have to prove. And that’s starting with Monday,” Newton said Thursday, via Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. “That’s simple. I play this game for one reason, and that’s just to win. And we have an opportunity to win on Monday. Let’s just see how that goes.”
Last week, Newton stated that an important goal for him was to finish the 2020 season healthy and that he's not considering retirement.
“One of my goals this year, for what’s worth, was just to finish the year healthy. This year God has granted and gave me the opportunity to have a healthy season,” Newton said, via Ryan Hannable of WEEI. “I still have a lot of football left and the urge to be better. After putting out this film? I can’t go out like this.”
The Patriots are 6-7 with Newton starting under center this season.
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