Patriots: Cam Newton’s latest Instagram post is a lot to unpack
Patriots QB Cam Newton addressed his struggles on Instagram.
It’s been a season to forget for the New England Patriots. They’ve officially missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and could potentially finish with their first losing record since 2000 if they manage to drop one more game. Everything pretty much played out as the free agency/opt out saga suggested months ago.
And though Pats Nation has gotten an admirable campaign from Cam Newton (from an adversity standpoint), it wasn’t pretty to watch. The former MVP was coming off a year in which he played just two games before injuries kept him out of action and then he was thrust into learning a complex offensive system with no weapons to work with.
What did we expect? Perhaps our expectations were too high, but we certainly didn’t envision this. Newton has arguably been the worst passer in the league and the Patriots have no identity on either side of the ball.
The bright side? The former Panthers star wants to be part of the solution. He put out a courageous message for all the fans out there.
Cam Newton to Patriot Nation: pic.twitter.com/E1HpMJtjHP
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 21, 2020
OK. A lot to unpack here. Does this suggest Newton is returning to New England for 2021? It at least indicates he wants to return and settle this unfinished business. Was anybody finger pointing or making excuses behind the scenes that we didn’t know about (aside from N’Keal Harry’s trainer)? Do the Patriots feel confident in Newton to lead the way next season after they get all their players back from opt outs and make additions in free agency?
Whew. That’s a brain-full to consider. But you have to give the guy credit. He’s taking all the responsibility and wants to make all the adjustments necessary to bring the Patriots back to the usual high standard they’re held to.
As for all the answers currently being in the Pats locker room right now, however … we’re not buying that. It’s just not true, though we respect the optimism and confidence.
Cam Newton asked about possible retirement on @WEEI "After putting out this film?...I can't go out like this."
— Andy Hart (@JumboHart) December 21, 2020
Forget about retirement, too. Cam’s not going anywhere.
In the end, this is all Patriots fans can ask for. After overshooting expectations and attempting to downplay the departure of Tom Brady, who commandeered the franchise for two decades, you can’t be that surprised the team is 6-8 thus far with a grueling schedule and an undermanned roster.
The Patriots are in uncharted waters right now, there’s no doubt about that. And so is Newton because his future is perhaps the most uncertain of all.
