Cam Newton: Can he Succeed with Patriots?

The Patriots made some noise when they signed Cam Newton to a 1-year deal. We all were expecting it, we were all saying it yet it still feels like a surprise. The real question is, will Cam Newton succeed as a Patriot?

Personality Clashes

Cam Newton has always had a big personality, that’s just how he is. He’s a superstar and acts like it, his wardrobe choices speak for themselves. The Patriots and Belichick are all about the team, do your job, you are simply a part of the machine that is the New England Patriots. Will Cam be asked to tone down his off-the-field antics? Who knows. Only time will tell but if personalities clash and Belichick is tired of Cam’s antics, guess who’s coming out on top.

Health

Since Cam Newton was drafted in 2011, he has suffered 10 notable injuries in his career. 4 foot injuries, 2 shoulder injuries, 1 knee, 1 back, 1 rib, and 1 head injury (per sportsinjurypredictor.com). Yes, 31 may be the “new prime” of a quarterback’s career but we simply cannot make the mistake of looking at Cam Newton’s career lifespan like a quarterback and instead like a running back. The absolute beating Cam Newton has taken throughout his career for his play style is insane.

Play Style

Yet, it is fair to look at his career lifespan in the scope of a running back. Quarterbacks don’t take the punishment Cam Newton has and most likely will continue to take. Lamar Jackson runs more than Cam, but Lamar doesn’t take hits. Newton runs like a power running back. He’ll look to run over someone and dance when he gets into the end zone. That style of quarterback play is unsustainable and is a major part of why Newton’s play has dropped off significantly over the past couple of years. Don’t be surprised if Newton regresses or is the same as late 2018. Ultimately health-wise, I have no clue about Cam Newton and I don’t think the Patriots know either.

Final Thoughts

First, I am not rooting for Cam Newton to fail. I am simply saying it would not be surprising given the toll his body has taken during his time in the NFL. The combination of injuries and play style that led to those injuries is something I cannot just ignore like it means nothing. The Patriots took a flier, kicking the tires on someone with potential. If Newton is not healthy, or simply doesn’t play I would not be surprised if Jarrett Stidham is the starter for the Patriots. In fact, I expect it.

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