The simple answer is no.
After nine starts, the former MVP has proven to not be the savior in New England. The expectations of Newton were through the roof once the former Carolina Panthers quarterback signed in New England. Many expected him to be in the conversation for the Comeback Player of the Year award, and have the Patriots in charge of the AFC East. But, that just has not been the case… at least to this point.
Heading into a week 12, the Patriots find themselves with a 4-6 record, clinging onto a chance for playoff life. The Patriots have struggled in multiple areas, on both sides of the ball. At times, they have looked horrific defensively, at other times, their offense has looked abysmal.
Cam Newton has made nine starts, going 4-5, to this point. But, of those nine starts, Newton has had the ball with a chance to win or tie on five different occasions. Of those five games, Newton has only delivered a win in one of those games. He’s been 1-4 in those types of situations, which has truly been a difference-maker for this Patriots team, as the Patriots sit at 4-6. Even if Newton had went 3-2 in those situations, or at the very least, 2-3, the Patriots would still have a realistic shot to make the playoffs. In those types of situations, Newton has a 52.77%, completion percentage, with one turnover, and has led zero touchdown drives.
On top of not delivering in crunch time, Newton ranks 25th in the NFL in QBR, 27th in QB Rating, and 28th in passing yards per game. Newton has only thrown four passing touchdowns on the season, which ranks 34th in the NFL. Guys like Nick Mullens, Joe Flacco, and Mitchell Trubisky have played in less games than Newton, but have thrown more touchdown passes than he has.
The one statistic that is really in Newton’s favor is completion percentage. At 68.1%, Newton has had his best season in that particular category. However, according to Pro Football Focus, Newton ranks 31st in the NFL in percentages of throws on target.
Now, Newton has not had the privilege of having a star-studded cast of offensive weapons. But, even if Newton has performed to average standards, the Patriots would have their head above water, and Newton would be in the conversation to return in 2021.
Scoring only 12 points against the lonely Broncos at home, and losing to the two win Texans is simply inexcusable.
With six games remaining in the season, Newton could change the script. But, even if Newton were to go on a run, the Patriots should stay clear of him in 2021.
He’s been a model citizen with the Patriots, never failing to be honest and upfront with the media. He’s well-liked, and a good teammate. But, the reality is that he’s just not a fit for this Patriots team going forward. Whether the Patriots try to draft a quarterback in the early rounds, or trade for a veteran, Newton should not be in the cards.
