One of the major NFL stories surfacing is the New England Patriots signing Cam Newton. The Carolina Panthers decided to move on from Newton after his 9 year tenure with the team. Bill Belichick flocked to the former Auburn product and decided to take a chance on the 2015 MVP. Cam’s main competition for the starting job will be another Auburn alumnus named Jarrett Stidham. We have to be honest here, and say that Cam Newton will win the starting gig and lead the new look Patriots. One interesting thing to note about Belichick’s time in Foxborough is that he has not had a losing season since 2000. Tom Brady has been at the helm since 2001 and with all of his success…Cam Newton makes perfect sense as his replacement.

Jimmy Garoppolo was slated to be Tom’s replacement, but Kyle Shanahan swooped in and stole him from Belichick’s grasp. Brady left town to go to Tampa Bay and Stidham was the remaining protege. Clearly, New England does not think Stidham is ready yet or else they would not have signed former Patriot QB Brian Hoyer and Cam. In terms of Belichick’s QB choices…Cam is the farthest thing from Vinny Testaverde, Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady as they get…but will that change the Patriots offense?

Pocket passers have clearly been important to Belichick in the past, but with the roster that New England has now…it seems that adding a mobile playmaker behind Center makes the most sense. James White is one of the better pass-catching running backs in the game and Julian Edelman is one of the best slot wide receivers as well. The Carolina Panthers had a check-down style of offense anyway…so this seems like a great fit. Tom Brady was also known for his QB sneaks from time-to-time…I think Newton can handle that. New England also had one of the most historic defensive season in NFL history by only allowing 14 points a game (league best). Sony Michel figures to be heavily involved in the offense and Cam can show any rushing brilliance…it will be difficult to get this offense off of the field.

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Manipulating routes and masking runs will be the driving point for the Pats this season. Tom Brady averaged 6.6 yards-per-pass-attempt in 2019 and Cam Newton’s career average is 7.5 yards-per-pass-attempt. That statistic alone gives you a great argument for why Newton can thrive. Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule had to know that Newton’s arm is not crisp and it would be tough to sling it when you have a QB who cannot throw well…so Belichick (being the genius he is) decided to go with a playmaker. Look for an old-school style of play for the Patriots and welcome to the ground and pound.

AustYn

References: Pro Football Reference, ABC, ESPN

Why Cam Newton Will Thrive In New England