In the NFL, quarterback evaluations used to take place over a multi-year period.
In this day and age, those judgments are often made week to week, game to game, or even half to half.
While it’s helpful to have an established resume to fall back on, the past doesn’t always garner future chances under center.
Just ask three-time Pro-Bowler and former NFL MVP Cam Newton, whose career has seemed like it’s been on life support the past two seasons.
Fairly or unfairly, it’s now or never for the 32-year-old former number one overall NFL Draft pick.
If Newton can’t put together a stretch that is reminiscent of his heyday with the Carolina Panthers, he may be relegated to reserve duty for the remainder of his NFL tenure.
His path back to stardom may seem unlikely as we assess it today, but we’ll look at three NFL teams where Newton can still thrive.
3. Denver Broncos
Although it seems like the Broncos are a significant distance from relevancy because of the division they play in, their roster is really not that bad.
They’re set to have a two-headed monster at running back with Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams.
Their wide receiving corps is young and immensely talented, led by Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler and the recovering Courtland Sutton.
Denver also has one of the best young prospects at tight end in the game with Noah Fant coming into his own.
Even with all those weapons, the Broncos still figure to feature a smash mouth identity, and could have a formidable defense if Von Miller can return to his All-Pro form.
Head coach Vic Fangio likely won’t want to let his quarterback air it out 50 times a game due to his background as a defensive coach.
With incumbent starter Drew Lock sporting an inconsistent resume at best, and reserve Teddy Bridgewater serving as an uninspiring option, Newton could certainly fit well in the Mile High city.
He won’t be asked to do too much, and would be difficult to game plan for with Denver’s boatload of talent around him.
Birthday mood 🥳 pic.twitter.com/GN6fHikDIO
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 11, 2021
2. Philadelphia Eagles
As it stands right now, the Eagles are in a division where every one of their rivals is trying to win in 2021.
The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Football Team all have their eye on capturing the NFC East crown this season.
Even though it was mocked last year for its subpar play, the division should be much improved this year, and Philadelphia cannot afford to get off to a slow start.
New head coach Nick Sirianni has been a bit coy about who his starting quarterback will be this year, but all signs point to second-year player Jalen Hurts as their answer.
When inserted into the lineup as the full-time starter last year, Hurts showed that he was an upgrade over struggling starter Carson Wentz.
He rejuvenated the team with his athleticism and ability to make things happen with his legs.
However, will that efficiency carry over with an offseason for NFL defenses to study his tendencies?
Because their divisional games figure to be highly competitive, it might make sense for a veteran like Newton to have the reigns.
He’ll have the same type of impressive tight end duo in Philadelphia as he figures to have in New England (more on that later), and rookie wide receiver Devonta Smith greatly improves the level of talent on the outside.
It would be a nice setup for Newton, with a relatively low bar set for him in this situation.
Celebrating Super Cam.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 11, 2021
1. New England Patriots
At the end of the day though, Newton’s best scenario to succeed might be with the team he’s currently employed by.
His season with the Patriots in 2020 was uneven to say the least.
He showed flashes of brilliance early on in the campaign, and then struggled to get into a rhythm again after testing positive for COVID-19.
This will be the second year he’ll be studying Josh McDaniels’ offense, and will have something close to a more standard training camp to get comfortable.
Many times NFL franchises play younger quarterbacks sooner than they should just to see what they have, but it seems unlikely the Patriots will go that route prematurely.
It’s hard to envision Bill Belichick sacrificing games just to see what rookie Mac Jones can do right away if Newton is playing well.
The former Carolina star will have a solid tight end tandem to work with in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, which automatically upgrades the talent around him in a notable way.
Newton figures to have every chance to win and keep the starting job if he’s playing well, and could thrive in his second season in New England.
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