After another pathetic offensive performance, Cam Newton should grab the clipboard and take a seat on the bench for the three remaining games.
With the postseason likely out of reach, it’s time for Bill Belichick to make a quarterback change.
Newton has not eclipsed 120 passing yards in 4 of his last 5 starts, and has a mere 56.60 completion percentage during that time frame. Newton has been inconsistent all the season, and the Patriots should be ready to officially turn the page.
Newton’s 12 starts with the Patriots have been a model of inconsistency. He’s missed reads, taken unnecessary sacks, missed open receivers, and at times, has been a liability. The former MVP and so called “superman,” has looked like a shell of himself, looking old and beat up.
Bill Belichick and the rest of the coaching staff has inexplicitly continued to praise and back Newton, even after his train wreck performances on offense.
Yes, there are limitations with the skill position players. They don’t have the personnel to be potent on offense, but at times, Newton has not done enough to set them up for success. At the end of the day, Newton has not been able to capitalize on some golden opportunities.
Look, there are a lot of issues with this Patriots team. Cam Newton is not PROBLEM NUMBER 1, but finding a franchise quarterback is PRIORITY NUMBER 1. Cam Newton is not the franchise quarterback, and Jarrett Stidham COULD be.
Nobody knows how good Jarrett Stidham is. Nobody knows how well he’d perform in game action, with a week of preparation, taking first team reps. It’s likely that Stidham will end up mounting to nothing, but before the arrival of Cam Newton, many pegged Jarrett Stidham to be the starter.
So, why don’t the Patriots want to give Stidham a look?
Are they afraid to lose the locker room? Do they feel like Stidham is incapable? Does it have to do with Belichick’s relationship with Newton? Are the Patriots worried about the perception across the league if they bench Newton? Or, do they truthfully feel like Newton is NOT to blame?
I feel like it could be a combination of all of that. But, even with all of those factors, Stidham still deserves to start.
