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New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has begun to open up about his lackluster performance through the first seven weeks of the NFL season.
Coming off a game that saw the former-MVP throw three interceptions, as the Patriots were thrashed 33-6 by the San Francisco 49ers, Newton was honest in his assessment of his play when speaking to Mark Daniels of “The Providence Journal”:
“When you played the way I played this week — terrible — you open the doors,” Newton said. “This whole week was a humbling experience.
“Getting a tap on the shoulder was a humbling experience, saying, ‘Hey [we’re putting in Jarrett Stidham].’ That’s all humbling. I’m not used to that. Now, I’m at a crossroads that says, ‘Hey, if you don’t pick up your play, that’s going to be a permanent decision.’”
While the game against San Francisco was stark, dealing the New England squad a rare blowout loss, as well as serving as the culmination of the team's first, three-game losing streak in 18 years, Newton has failed to live up to his top-line billing for most of the season.
Despite the Patriots initially sprinting out to a 2-1 start to the year, the veteran quarterback was merely average as the fulcrum of the passing attack, often becoming reliant on his mobility to move the team downfield.
Following his diagnosis of Covid-19, however, Newton's ability to run seems to have been hampered, with the QB seeing his rushing attempts dwindle significantly, and only reaching the endzone once since his return. Forced to remain in the pocket, Newton has thrown five interceptions over the past two weeks alone.
Though he may be humbled, the Patriots will probably prefer he regains his swagger, along with an improved style of play.
