Can Newton Named Patriots Starting Quarterback and Captain

Bill Belichick announced to the media on Friday that Cam Newton will be the Patriots starting quarterback, as well as one of the team captions for this season, ESPN Reports.

When signing Newton back in June, the Patriots did not want to name him the official starting quarterback until he completed try outs with both Jarrett Stidham and Bryan Hoyer. Plus with his injury history, the Patriots wanted to see how healthy Newton was before making a decision.

The skill that Newton displayed during preseason camps was good enough for him to officially be named starting quarterback. For a career that Newton had with the Panthers, there was no doubt that Newton would get the spot. Newton spent nine season with the Panthers in which he totaled 182 touchdown passes, 29,041 passing yards and 2,371 completions. He was also named NFL MVP in 2015 and led his team to a 15-1 season and a visit to the Super Bowl in 2015.

Belichick has been an admirer of Newton in his time with the Panthers and is really excited to see what he can bring to the team. “You know, I can see why he had the kind of success that he had at Auburn and at Carolina” said Belichick according to CBS Sports. “In talking to people that were with him there, the things that they said about him, at Auburn and at Carolina from a decade ago or two, three years ago or even last year, it was all the same and it showed up here. He’s an extremely hard worker. Nobody works harder than Cam does. He stays late, and he works very hard.”

Not only will Newton be a starting quarterback, but he will also be a caption on the team. Belichick let his players vote on their choice for captains and Newton was one of them. The other captains joining Newton are wide receiver Matthew Slater, center Davis Andrews, running back James White, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, defensive tackle Lawrence Guy and defensive backs Devin and Jason McCourty.

Newton has been looking pretty good during preseason practices, however, he is having trouble adjusting to the new system. Mike Giardi from the NFL Network reported that Newton was seen messing up some of his throws and had miscues.

There is a lot of pressure put on Newton this season as he will be filling in for six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady.

The Patriots are predicted to win the AFC East again, as they have won it for the last 11 seasons in a row. Newton will also look to lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl-winning season.