One of the biggest offseason moves this year came on Sunday night when the New England Patriots and quarterback Cam Newton reached a one-year incentive-laden deal agreement, ESPN reports. The former MVP has had a rocky last few seasons with the Carolina Panthers due to several injury woes. After being released by the Panthers in March, Bill Belichick and the Patriots agreed to sign Newton as their replacement for Tom Brady
Newton is known as one of the greatest Carolina Panthers of all time. In 2015, Newton led the Panthers to a dominating 15-1 season and their second-ever Super Bowl appearance, which ended in a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. In his career with the Panthers, Newton has played in 132 games with a total of 192 touchdown passes and a 59.6 percent completion rate.
Since the 2018 season, Newton has dealt with several injuries that have set him back in his career. In the middle of the 2018 season, Newton suffered an injury to his throwing arm which required surgery in Jan. 2019. Though he recovered in time for the start of preseason, Newton then suffered a fractured foot at the beginning of the 2019 season, which ultimately ended his season.
The news of Newton to the Patriots is huge for both Bill Belichick and the team. For over 20 years, Belichick has only worked with one quarterback, and that is Tom Brady. After six Super Bowl victories with the Patriots, Brady made a surprising move to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March.
Newton playing for the Patriots this season will be something that Belichick has never seen before on his team. After relying on Brady for so many seasons, Belichick will have to get adjusted to a new type of quarterback style of play. Newton is known for his dynamic running ability and agility on the field, which is something that Brady lacks.
Belichick has admired Newton’s skills in the past and always had a fear of versing him. “I think you’re talking about mobile quarterbacks-guys that are tough to handle, can throw, run, make good decisions-I would put him at the top of my list”. He also said “I think he’s the hardest guy to [defend]. He makes good decisions, can run. He’s strong. He’s hard to tackle… he can beat you in different ways…I’m not saying the other guys aren’t a problem, because they are. But he’s maybe public enemy No.1” the Washington Post reports.
Will Bill Belichick will another Super Bowl with Cam Newton as their new quarterback? (Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Newton’s move to the Patriots is just what he needs to restart his career and to bring back the Cam Newton of 2015. Though the Patriots will be without long time tight end Rob Gronkowski for this season, they still will have star wide receiver Julian Edelman and running back Sony Michel that can keep the Patriot’s offense in command this season. They will also help bring Newton the help he needs in the offensive line.
Last season the league was dominated by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Though the Ravens lost to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round, Jackson still won MVP for his excellent performance in the 2019 season. Jackson’s MVP season was very similar to Newton’s 2015 MVP season. Jackson is also a running quarterback like Newton, and with the offensive line as dominating as the Patriots have been for the past seasons, Newton can find success in the upcoming 2020 season and keep the Patriots a playoff-contending team if he can stay healthy.