Cam Newton

BREAKING – Patriots cut QB Cam Newton

August 31, 2021 by Tom Shaw-Mellors

Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Wow oh wow. Mac Jones has won the quarterback competition in New England as the Patriots have released Cam Newton.

BREAKING NEWS: The #Patriots have released Cam Newton. Mac Jones is the starting QB in New England. https://t.co/3qE1qu6xqC
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) August 31, 2021

I honestly did not see this coming, I’m shocked. The way a final couple of preseason games went indicated that Cam was the starter and would get the nod to begin the 2021 season, but how wrong was I?!

A couple of things to note here. Firstly, Mac has done enough to show Bill he can be capable of running the offense in the regular season. And second, Cam’s issue with having to isolate may have played a big role moving forward as he was unvaccinated.

Now, this isn’t about if it’s right or wrong to get the vaccine, but the team may have felt it would have put them in a detrimental position if Newton had to isolate with no prior notice before a game during the regular season.

Mac Jones will be the team’s starter in Week 1 against Miami. The first time a rookie has been named starter since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.

BREAKING – Patriots to re-sign QB Cam Newton on 1-year $14M deal

March 12, 2021 by Tom Shaw-Mellors

First broke by Jim McBride, the Patriots are re-signing Cam Newton to a 1-year $14M contract.

Cam Newton's return to the Patriots, on a 1-year deal as first reported by @globejimmcbride, locks in a QB as the team prepares for the start of free agency next week.

It doesn't rule out the addition of another QB in the coming weeks. Patriots retain flexibility at QB.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 12, 2021

Oh boy, on first thoughts, I’m not happy about this. I was more than satisfied heading into the Draft with just Stidham as the sole QB on the roster, but now, Cam is returning for a second season with the team.

Firstly, I question why the team has paid him more than his contract last year, I don’t feel he did anything to justify that, although $14M is still a low number for a starting QB. Secondly, I don’t think we’re any better off with Cam than any other veteran signing, but at least with a Mariota or a Fitzpatrick, it would have been different.

Now, first thoughts aside and thinking a little bit more about this, it still doesn’t rule out further trade/FA/Draft moves for another QB option, I think the sour taste some of us are experiencing is coming from the fact that we already know what we get with Cam, and it isn’t great.

It’s going to be an exciting next 7 days as free agency is about to drop, but man, I really don’t like this move. I really hope the team pushes big in FA interest next week, otherwise, we’re going to be in for another lackluster season.

Comp update: Patriots are finalizing a 1-year deal worth close to $14 million for Cam Newton to return to New England, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2021

Miguel at @PatsCap hasn’t had the chance to look at the breakdown of the contract yet either, so for all we know, it could be another incentive-laden deal.

BREAKING – Cam Newton tests positive for COVID-19

October 3, 2020 by Tom Shaw-Mellors

Wow, this is a big one, first reported by Field Yates and Adam Schefter, Cam Newton has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of tomorrow’s game against Kansas City.

Patriots’ QB Cam Newton tested positive and is out for Sunday’s game vs. Kansas City, per @FieldYates and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2020

This is the first problem the Patriots have had with the virus so far this season, and it rules out their starting quarterback. Cam has been placed on the reserve/COVID list also according to Tom Pelissero.

This is isolated. So as of right now, it’s only Cam Newton. https://t.co/Gb4kdUKBFM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2020

[Read more…]

Belichick Conference Call – We’re on to Training Camp

July 31, 2020 by Tom Shaw-Mellors

Fresh from his yearly postseason break in Nantucket, Bill Belichick graced fans and reporters with his presence during a conference call this afternoon. It’s been the first time we’ve been able to hear from the HC since the Draft in April. Let’s recall what’s happened since we last heard from Bill.

Firstly, James Develin’s decision to retire in late April, the shock Cam Newton signing, and more recently, the six players who decided to opt-out of the upcoming season.

Players weren’t the only changes, this past week the team announced it’s coaching staff adjustments for the new campaign, one of which included Bill’s son Brian, who has been promoted from assistant coach, to take over the safeties position.

I can’t wait for the envy in teams to grow, it’s hard enough planning to get the upper hand on one Belichick, let alone three.

So what were the conference call talking points?