The New-ton Vanguard: Pros and Cons of the Pats New QB

"Next Man Up"....That has been the New England Patriots mantra for the better part of 20 years now, and it has described the mentality that has lead the franchise to six Super Bowl victories. That phrase has never meant more with the departure of Patriots poster boy Tom Brady leaving for Tampa, and Cam Newton being signed. The Old adage "A Good Craftsman Doesn't Blame the Tools" rings true here with Bill Belichick. He has seen a great deal of success with Brady at the helm, but as of last year the Patriots didn't look like themselves. Belichick didn't run Brady through the mud though, he did as he has done over two decades...re-tool, and now has maybe the best QB talent wise he has ever had.

Belichick has never been one to be behind the 8-ball on trends in the NFL! But, mobile QB has always eluded him due to Tom Brady’s presence a top the proverbial food chain. Talents such as Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes have had consistent success over the past decade being dual threats. Belichick has been the victim and at times beneficiary (by inadvertent means) of these talents, and he has seen what a offense can be with the skill set they possess.

Insert Cam Newton whom you can make the argument is a better dual threat than each, in addition to Belichick’s presumed genius it’s a match made in heaven. Here are each of Wilson’s, Mahomes’, and Jackson‘s best season.

When compared to Newton you’ll see at his peak he is as good if not better than each of these three. This is also a testament to Belichick, because he is getting this talent for just $7M/yr when the league avg for starters is around $27M! I’ve seen some analysts bring scheme fit into the argument for Cam as a negative, which is fair if your looking through the small end of the scope. McDaniels likes to throw short timing routes and deep out breaking routes that require almost perfect accuracy to complete. Newton has never been the most accurate with a career completion percentage hovering around 56%, but the argument can be made that this team fits him more than not. Rewind back to 2015 in which the Panthers had two good Backs, three serviceable Receivers, and a great Tight End. The only thing Cam is missing is a great Tight End ,(blame management for that brain fart), to get the ball too! James White and Michel can thrive as a dual back tandem, and Harry should take a step forward in his second year. This Pats offense could be potent with a capable arm like Newton’s behind it.

This is the part of the article where you will start to hate me, or face palm, depending on where you stand on Cam Newton and the Patriots.

Notwithstanding all of the glowing reviews I just gave on behalf of Belichick and Newton, there are some negatives in this marriage.

As we know the Patriots are a no nonsense organization, much like their coach, and will not tolerate anything that impedes on winning football. We‘ve seen Cam Newton’s personality shine throughout his career. He is outspoken, and carries himself almost like a Wide Receiver rather than a Quarterback. He has been criticized in the past for being lackadaisical in his leadership approach which in a Patriots uniform could land you on the bench. But, when Cam is being “loose” in his approach it seems to bode well for his production. 2015 seemed like the most fun Newton had, and he ended up in the Super Bowl, but how will Belichick manage his “fun?”

If Newton doesn’t feel comfortable that could cause tension on the field as well as the locker room. For a franchise that has won more on culture than talent it could derail the season for New England.

Aside from personality though, Cam’s biggest con is durability!

Ankles, Back, Foot, Shoulder, Lumbar, Ribs, Concussions, and Knees are just a list of injuries that have plagued Newton coming into this year. Whether you want to admit it or not he is kind of a magnet for minor knagging injuries, and as I said before Belichick does not like to be behind on trends in the league. McDaniels could look to use Newton as a runner, per Belichick’s request, which wouldn’t bode well for Cam. The occasional scramble to get a first is ok, but Cam isn’t a slider. He sacrifices his body carelessly at times, and as a starter for a team that doesn‘t have much behind you cant afford to miss much time. If he doesn’t miss time that‘s great, but it depends on whom you ask.

The Patriots, nor anyone else for that matter, will view Newton as the starter for the next decade. I know I’m going to get a bunch of “BuT cOuRTlAnDt QuArtErBaCks ArE pLaYInG lOnGer” or “bEliChIcK dOeSn‘t DrAfT qUaRTerBaCkS eArLY” comments for saying this, but the Pats need to look for a signal caller next season! The consensus has been that the Patriots would look for maybe a Trevor Lawrence or another young talent at QB next year in the draft. Yet, with the signing of Newton that looks bleak as they may win upwards to 9 games this season. This would drastically effect their draft position, and with the NFL snatching a third from them already moving up could prove difficult.

Regardless of what I think though, the Pats have a QB! Cam Newton is going to do fine in Foxborough, and like any new acquisition there will be growing pains. These are just my thoughts on what could be great for this team, and what could spell disaster for their present/future.