Can Cam Newton Take New England Patriots Back to the Epitome of Success?
It was never going to be easy to fill Tom Brady’s place. Most people can agree on that. But does it become any easier when Brady’s previous offense wasn’t exactly a well-oiled machine? If Cam Newton can replicate his best self on the field this fall, can he become the guy New England Patriots had been searching for?
How things are going for Cam in the Patriots camp?
Newton signed a two-year deal with the Patriots in June 2020, aiming to rebound after two injury-plagued seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Despite the hype surrounding Jarrett Stidham, the New England Patriots sought more consistency from their primary quarterback as they looked for a replacement for Tom Brady.
With the Patriots, he had a great start. In a season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins, Newton completed 78.9% of his passes and ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns. A week later, in a last-second defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, he passed for 397 yards and three total touchdowns. The Patriots looked like a playoff team after finishing Week 3 with a 2-1 record and Newton scoring six total touchdowns.
In October, everything came crashing down. Newton tested positive for COVID-19 only days before facing the Kansas City Chiefs. Newton didn’t return until Oct. 18 when the game was postponed, but he wasn’t the same.
Cam Newton is working on himself
It is still unknown whether Newton can help the Patriots return to its successful days. However, he is eager to help his team and that’s certain. Understandably, Cam is making efforts to rebuild himself as the New England Patriots try to reclaim their winning ways. According to reports, the veteran quarterback has been secretly working with a throwing instructor to “rebuild some of his basics.”
Some who were on the field with Newton “noticed a difference” as voluntary offseason team training switched to its second phase with on-field training. Some of his teammates saw Newton as getting off to a terrific start.
Newton’s recovery from injury
Newton’s throwing mechanics changed following shoulder surgery in 2019. He was with the Carolina Panthers at the time. His season was cut short due to a foot injury, and he only played two games. After signing a one-year agreement with the Patriots in the offseason, he inked another one-year agreement with the team this past March.
Need for Success
The 32-year old quarterback is well-known for being a diligent worker with a strong work ethic who is often the first to arrive at training facilities and the last to go. Mac Jones, the Patriots’ No. 15 overall choices in the 2021 NFL draft out of Alabama, will push him at the position. Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham are also on the roster.
Competition is tough for Newton and he must deliver if he wishes to concrete his place in the team as a starter. Hence, success is not a choice for Cam Newton anymore. It has become a necessity and we all know how the best players in the world respond productively to immense pressure. The same is expected from Newton.
Can he be the next Tom Brady? Even if he cannot become one, he can at least be “Cam Newton” instead. That’s why the Patriots signed him in the first place; to be Cam Newton at his best.
