Patriots: Cam Newton’s comments on record are wishful thinking

Patriots QB Cam Newton thinks he’s on the verge of turning this thing around on offense. Maybe, but…quite possibly not.

It behooves a Patriots quarterback to stay positive — after all, with Bill Belichick at the helm and surrounded by historic modern cheaters in the AFC East, a division win is never out of the question.

However, Cam Newton’s confidence has often exceeded a normal range of positivity during this trying season. From declaring that the solutions at wide receiver were all on the current roster to dancing through practice, win or lose, Newton has often considered “close” to be close enough.

Unfortunately, that attitude has arisen again on Friday, and it may be to Newton’s detriment.

Patriots fans want optimism right now, but they also want to hear about a path to greatness. Saying, “We’re close to 5-2, actually” doesn’t really cut it.

Yeesh.

Could the Patriots be better positioned at this point? Sure. They were a late Newton fumble away from inching to 3-4 last week.

But without Newton, Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham face-planted in the second half in Kansas City. The team’s losses to the Broncos and 49ers were bereft of a single touchdown, and the Niners game was a massacre and man-handling. The Seattle game came down to the goal line, but, well … we failed! You failed. You failed to score. The result only could’ve been reversed if you, personally, had performed better.

There’s a lot to be said for one play making a world of difference in a team’s (and player’s) attitude, but at a certain point, the failures of the past don’t represent close proximity to the ultimate goal.

And, for what it’s worth, Newton’s last three games are not representative of a leader whose physical gifts are on the borderline of carrying a potential playoff team.

New England is in a phenomenal position moving forward, cap-wise and with regards to their braintrust, no matter what Newton and the offense do in 2020.

Thus far, though, there’s little reason for optimism, unless they’re about to start playing horseshoes or hand grenades.

Patriots: Colin Cowherd attacks Tom Brady for being phony in Boston

Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd ripped into former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for never really liking Boston. Oof.