New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick definitively said he isn’t changing quarterbacks subsequent to pulling Cam Newton from the get-go in the final quarter of Thursday night’s 24-3 street misfortune to the Los Angeles Rams.
“Cam’s our quarterback,” Belichick said in his postgame news conference, removing the inquiry to offer his response.
Newton completed 9-of-16 for 119 yards against the Rams, with one costly interception attempt that was returned 79 yards for a score, as the Patriots’ passing offense faltered by and by.
He was supplanted by Jarrett Stidham with 10 minutes, 14 seconds remaining and the Patriots following 24-3.
Stidham, the 2019 fourth-round draft decision from Auburn, had been a top possibility to be Tom Brady’s substitution toward the beginning of the period before Newton marked a one-year contract on July 8.
Inquired as to why he wouldn’t currently change to Stidham, and what Newton has appeared for Belichick to stay by him, Belichick said essentially: “He’s our quarterback, I think I just answered that one.”
The Patriots (6-7) actually have thin chances to fit the bill for the postseason, with ESPN’s Football Power Index giving them a 6% possibility. They visit the Miami Dolphins (8-4) on Sunday, Dec. 20, preceding getting done with consecutive home games against the Buffalo Bills (9-3) and New York Jets (0-12).
Concerning Newton, he has been best as a rusher this season, adding up to 451 yards in 113 conveys with 11 scores. However, when rivals limit Newton’s hurrying yards, and likewise the Patriots’ general running match-up, the offense hasn’t reliably had the option to move the ball through the air.
Newton, when inquired as to whether he’s stressed he’ll be supplanted, stated, “That’s not my call. I’m just doing what I’m asked, with the mentality of getting better, and that’s what I keep planning on doing.”
Newton is presently 199-of-301 for 2,172 yards passing on the season, with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
That, combined with Belichick twice pulling Newton, 31, late in blowout losses, has started inquiries regarding a potential change.
Inquired as to whether he is content with Stidham’s turn of events and what he has seen from him this season, Belichick stated: “Yeah. Jarrett has worked hard. He’s tried to take advantage of his opportunities. But that’s not really the point.”
Newton has been playing through a mid-region injury the previous two games yet said it wasn’t influencing him on the field.
“We just got to be better and it starts with me personally,” he said. “Just have to make more plays, and that’s what it comes down to.”
