New England Patriots QB Cam Newton has had a whirlwind of a year already filled with ups and downs.
Yesterday was a new low for both Newton and the Patriots as they were soundly defeated by the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 33-6.
During the course of the game, Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick benched Cam Newton after he threw his 3rd INT of the game.
2nd year QB Jarrett Stidham entered the game and also promptly threw an INT.
Reaction to Being Benched
Cam Newton does not beat around the bush so his reaction to being benched is remarkably honest.
#Patriots’ QB Cam Newton on what he told himself after being benched for Jarrett Stidham: "If you keep playing games like that, bro, then it's going to be a permanent change."
(via @TheGregHillShow)
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) October 26, 2020
Though Belichick has already named Cam Newton the starting QB going forward, the benching had to hurt his confidence.
Belichick says Cam Newton will “absolutely” remain the starter for the Patriots @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/gsIU1LWgpv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 25, 2020
Media Criticism
As if Newton was not dealing with enough, former NFL QB and current NBC Sports (Bay Area) Analyst Jeff Garcia decided to throw in his opinion, about Cam’s wardrobe, of all things.
Whew, Jeff Garcia been waiting a long time to get this off his chest about Cam Newton. pic.twitter.com/clx5IEGn9x
— Moneybagg Yo(hannes) 🇪🇷 (@AronYohannes) October 26, 2020
Social media, of course, erupted over Cam’s wardrobe after Garcia ranted about it.
Cam had his share of defenders.
What’s hilarious to me about Jeff Garcia’s comments about Cam Newton’s clothes yesterday is I actually like Cam’s fit a lot lmao.
Is this not clean for the fall?? I’d wear this if I had his money. pic.twitter.com/f0OQTJXbZq
— Moneybagg Yo(hannes) 🇪🇷 (@AronYohannes) October 26, 2020
Cam Newton’s record as a starter: 70-50-1
Jeff Garcia’s record as a starter
58-58.But you wanna talk about outfits after a loss ? pic.twitter.com/IpMVMGFOF6
— DropTopWop🏎💨💯 (@MoreLouLessRico) October 26, 2020
In the end, Cam Newton responded to Garcia’s comments with the class and dignity we have come to expect from him.
“You know what’s crazy? I agree with him. And the fact that he’s a former player, he has every right to say that. And until that happens, so be it. But that’s another opinionated theory, and it’s fair to say. I know I come off to so many different people so many different ways, and that’s fine. You know what, he’s exactly right. But I’m not changing the way I dress. I’m sorry. …
“I don’t know Jeff, but I would say this: I do certain things because of the culture I’m from. And where I’m from — I don’t know where Jeff is from, and I don’t want to harp on it too long — but let’s just say he’s right.”
In Peak Form – Weeks 1 through 3
In a COVID-19 shortened training camp, Cam earned the starting job vacated by Tom Brady who signed with Tampa Bay in the offseason.
The first three weeks of the 2020 season were like a dream for Cam and the Patriots.
Newton appeared to be in 2015 MVP form as he rushed and passed his way to two wins against Miami and Las Vegas.
He also played very well but came up short against a formidable Seattle Seahawks team.
COVID-19 Diagnosis
On October 3, 2020, Cam Newton became the most high profile NFL player to test positive for COVID-19.
He hasn’t been the same player since.
But he is not blaming his performance on his diagnosis especially since he was asymptomatic.
Newton told The Greg Hill Show on Monday October 26.
“No. My goodness. I’m hearing a lot of what it could be. It’s simple. I have to play better.”
Everyone in New England and beyond is cheering for Cam Newton to return to his early season form and lead the New England Patriots to success.
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