Patriots insider posits Bill Belichick is using Cam Newton to cover up poor roster construction

Is Patriots head coach Bill Belichick using Cam Newton to mask poor roster construction?

The New England Patriots find themselves in an unfamiliar position compared to the last two decades. With just three games remaining, they were so often competing for the top seed in the AFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

In 2020, however, the only real motivation the Patriots can latch on to for the rest of the campaign is playing spoiler against their division rivals. You could make the case about the quarterback situation being the only other compelling narrative moving forward, but that would really be grasping at straws.

After all, head coach Bill Belichick has confirmed on numerous instances since Thursday’s blowout loss that Cam Newton will remain the starter. While it’s clear that Newton gives the Patriots the best chance to win games, is it possible that the 68-year-old legend is using him to draw a veil over his questionable roster construction?

ESPN reporter Mike Reiss proposed this as a real possibility in his latest column, and fans would be hard-pressed to disagree with his logic.

Here’s what Reiss had to say.

"“Because of Newton’s unique skill set as a big, physical runner, he helps mask personnel deficiencies at tight end and receiver in the traditional passing game.“The idea Stidham could have more success throwing to this group of personnel is probably a stretch, and a case could be made it would be detrimental to his growth to put him out there with them.“Bottom line: If Belichick turned to Stidham, and the passing game stayed on its present course, it would only further spotlight the questionable roster-building of Belichick and (Nick) Caserio at the skill positions.”"

As he normally does, Reiss makes some salient points here. We’ve honestly seen enough of Jarrett Stidham in his limited reps over the last two seasons to know that he’ll never be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and we like to think that the Patriots’ top-notch coaching staff is of the same mindset.

If that’s not the case, benching Newton over the remaining three games would (in theory) give them a legitimate sample size to determine what they have in their 2019 fourth-round pick.

Given that the Patriots are nearly mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, wouldn’t it make sense to sit the former MVP, who’s thrown for 272 yards combined over his last three games, and let Stidham run the offense to close out the season? The answer to that question should be an unequivocal yes.

Assuming that Reiss’ theory isn’t entirely off the mark — he has as much intel on the Patriots as any reporter in the league — Belichick’s decision to roll with Newton as the starter either boils down to his lack of conviction in Stidham or his refusal to own up to the team’s undeniable roster deficiencies.

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