Deal with this: I #respect Cam as a person and as a leader

[BobDigital]

The more I think about it, the more I think it is in the Patriots best interest to cut or trade Cam Newton ASAP. As for why...

1) You don't want to risk the possibility of Mac not playing this season. The only way to do that is to give him the starting job week 1. Then you don't need to worry about 'something happening which opens the door' for him. It probably will happen, but we don't KNOW it will.
2) Cam will not take kindly to being a back up. I'm getting the impression he was likely tolds things, or had things alluded to him in private. How long before he ask to be traded or cut? That will be another distraction that will just pile on to things, which you don't need if you are getting Mac ready to start.
3) Let's say you keep Cam, even if he ask to be traded. He has a following in that locker room. You don't want to split it up and have one side be on Cams and the other side on Mac's. Particularly while Mac is busy getting use to the NFL.

The only way to avoid any issues with keeping Cam is if he simply tips his hat to Mac and fully embraces the mentor role, which i don't see as happening. Cutting/trading him will cause issues too, but at least things will be final and not linger. As for the possibility of doing this and Mac getting hurt, and it costing you a playoff appearance, that doesn't matter in my mind. The development of Mac is a bigger concern than this year. Just how it is when QBs enter the discussion.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Newton has already had the virus. Given that, and given that "THE SCIENCE!" currently claims that natural immunity is as good as, or better, than the vaccine immunity, it's asinine to require Newton to take the vaccine.


So, again, instead of blaming Newton, aim your ire in the proper direction, which is at the NFL.


And "hurt the team"? Are you high?

Not accurate. Depends on the individual's immunity level. If it's low they should absolutely get the shots.

You should stop posting. Go back to the food thread.

 

[Hyped]

The more I think about it, the more I think it is in the Patriots best interest to cut or trade Cam Newton ASAP. As for why...

1) You don't want to risk the possibility of Mac not playing this season. The only way to do that is to give him the starting job week 1. Then you don't need to worry about 'something happening which opens the door' for him. It probably will happen, but we don't KNOW it will.
2) Cam will not take kindly to being a back up. I'm getting the impression he was likely tolds things, or had things alluded to him in private. How long before he ask to be traded or cut? That will be another distraction that will just pile on to things, which you don't need if you are getting Mac ready to start.
3) Let's say you keep Cam, even if he ask to be traded. He has a following in that locker room. You don't want to split it up and have one side be on Cams and the other side on Mac's. Particularly while Mac is busy getting use to the NFL.

The only way to avoid any issues with keeping Cam is if he simply tips his hat to Mac and fully embraces the mentor role, which i don't see as happening. Cutting/trading him will cause issues too, but at least things will be final and not linger. As for the possibility of doing this and Mac getting hurt, and it costing you a playoff appearance, that doesn't matter in my mind. The development of Mac is a bigger concern than this year. Just how it is when QBs enter the discussion.

Bledsoe sat on the bench from the Saints game until the AFC title game back in 2001-2002....it was not a problem. When Bledsoe got hurt, the locker room was probably 50/50 Bledsoe/Brady at the time.

Belichick makes $$$$$$ to make that call and I believe he has a good feel for the pulse of the team.

 

[Hyped]

Comments:

1.) It's Belichick's call and if there was ever anyone I wanted to make this decision...it'd be Belichick.

2.) We are gonna have BETTER QB play in 2021 regardless of how it works out.

3.) I am rooting for the PATRIOTS to score points and win ball games.

4.) I appreciated Cam's contributions to the team through last year's difficult year on all fronts. I will root for Cam to play well and if he doesn't I am totally good with Mac taking over and believe Cam will be Mac's biggest cheerleader.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Umm I have no problem with the title statement. I expect Cam to be BB's starter because he loves the work ethic and leadership he sees out of this guy. Cam's main problem is that he's square peg for a round hole. He's not a pass first QB, he's a run first QB and make plays happen with his feet kind of guy. Cam's arm and grasp of our system is not his strong point.

It's obvious from training camp so far that Mac Jones is the better 'pure QB' for this system. But I see no problem starting Cam and riding him till the wheels fall off. I mean that's why BB signed him, right? No need to rush the rook and crush his confidence early when we have a veteran entering his 2nd year in our system.

However I do have a problem with the last sentence in your opening post. I do NOT want a statement from Mr. Kraft about who should lead this team. That is a football decision and should be left in the hands of the Head Coach, one Bill Belichick. Mr. Kraft needs to stick to statements regarding the financial side of things. He's NOT the football guy and should stay OUT of it in terms of public opinions as much as possible.

 

[VJCPatriot]

What I’d like to see from Mr. Kraft is a statement of solidarity from the Patriots by declaring Cam the starter for the entire 2021 season.

 

[JackBauer]

Umm I have no problem with the title statement. I expect Cam to be BB's starter because he loves the work ethic and leadership he sees out of this guy. Cam's main problem is that he's square peg for a round hole. He's not a pass first QB, he's a run first QB and make plays happen with his feet kind of guy. Cam's arm and grasp of our system is not his strong point.

It's obvious from training camp so far that Mac Jones is the better 'pure QB' for this system. But I see no problem starting Cam and riding him till the wheels fall off. I mean that's why BB signed him, right? No need to rush the rook and crush his confidence early when we have a veteran entering his 2nd year in our system.

However I do have a problem with the last sentence in your opening post. I do NOT want a statement from Mr. Kraft about who should lead this team. That is a football decision and should be left in the hands of the Head Coach, one Bill Belichick. Mr. Kraft needs to stick to statements regarding the financial side of things. He's NOT the football guy and should stay OUT of it in terms of public opinions as much as possible.

Personally I'd prefer that they start the person who puts them in the best position to win games. Increasingly that appears to be Mac.

 

[Ring 6]

The more I think about it, the more I think it is in the Patriots best interest to cut or trade Cam Newton ASAP. As for why...

1) You don't want to risk the possibility of Mac not playing this season. The only way to do that is to give him the starting job week 1. Then you don't need to worry about 'something happening which opens the door' for him. It probably will happen, but we don't KNOW it will.
2) Cam will not take kindly to being a back up. I'm getting the impression he was likely tolds things, or had things alluded to him in private. How long before he ask to be traded or cut? That will be another distraction that will just pile on to things, which you don't need if you are getting Mac ready to start.
3) Let's say you keep Cam, even if he ask to be traded. He has a following in that locker room. You don't want to split it up and have one side be on Cams and the other side on Mac's. Particularly while Mac is busy getting use to the NFL.

The only way to avoid any issues with keeping Cam is if he simply tips his hat to Mac and fully embraces the mentor role, which i don't see as happening. Cutting/trading him will cause issues too, but at least things will be final and not linger. As for the possibility of doing this and Mac getting hurt, and it costing you a playoff appearance, that doesn't matter in my mind. The development of Mac is a bigger concern than this year. Just how it is when QBs enter the discussion.

Newton was signed to a backup QB contract and the team said publicly they were still pursuing starting QBs.
Why on earth would you think he was “told things” different than that?
Why would a guy who isn’t a starting caliber QB, who no other NFL team wanted, not sit well with being a backup? It’s the nest job he can get.
The lockerroom is not split. Players aren’t going to not try to win or not play hard because a qb got beaten out. It’s their livelihood.

As bad as Newton sucks he gives us a better chance to win than Hoyer if Jones is injured.
You don’t weaken your team because of some made up boogeyman of discontent.
Every player on the team sees what Newton does on the field, and they want to win.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Personally I'd prefer that they start the person who puts them in the best position to win games. Increasingly that appears to be Mac.

That's fine for you to hold that opinion. I'm more taking the long view.
It's not worth it to me to win maybe 2 extra games in 2021 by starting Cam and risk crushing Mac Jone's long term career prospects before it even gets started.

Some people believe in throwing rookies into the fire to develop them as quickly as possible.
Others like myself believe a rookie QB should hold the clipboard for at least half a season to a full season and fully learn the way things work as a pro and fully develop their confidence and competence before they are given the keys to the kingdom.

 

[Ring 6]

Umm I have no problem with the title statement. I expect Cam to be BB's starter because he loves the work ethic and leadership he sees out of this guy. Cam's main problem is that he's square peg for a round hole. He's not a pass first QB, he's a run first QB and make plays happen with his feet kind of guy. Cam's arm and grasp of our system is not his strong point.

It's obvious from training camp so far that Mac Jones is the better 'pure QB' for this system. But I see no problem starting Cam and riding him till the wheels fall off. I mean that's why BB signed him, right? No need to rush the rook and crush his confidence early when we have a veteran entering his 2nd year in our system.

However I do have a problem with the last sentence in your opening post. I do NOT want a statement from Mr. Kraft about who should lead this team. That is a football decision and should be left in the hands of the Head Coach, one Bill Belichick. Mr. Kraft needs to stick to statements regarding the financial side of things. He's NOT the football guy and should stay OUT of it in terms of public opinions as much as possible.

The reason is you can’t afford to lose games because you didn’t put your best player on the field at the most important position.

 

[Ring 6]

That's fine for you to hold that opinion. I'm more taking the long view.
It's not worth it to me to win maybe 2 extra games in 2021 by starting Cam and risk crushing Mac Jone's long term career prospects before it even gets started.

Some people believe in throwing rookies into the fire to develop them as quickly as possible.
Others like myself believe a rookie QB should hold the clipboard for at least half a season to a full season and fully learn the way things work as a pro before they are given the keys to the kingdom.

How do you expect a football player to improve by not playing football?

 

[RobertWeathers]

That's fine for you to hold that opinion. I'm more taking the long view.
It's not worth it to me to win maybe 2 extra games in 2021 by starting Cam and risk crushing Mac Jone's long term career prospects before it even gets started.

Some people believe in throwing rookies into the fire to develop them as quickly as possible.
Others like myself believe a rookie QB should hold the clipboard for at least half a season to a full season and fully learn the way things work as a pro and fully develop their confidence and competence before they are given the keys to the kingdom.

I don't think confidence and perseverance are an issue with Mac.

 

[VJCPatriot]

How do you expect a football player to improve by not playing football?

Tom Brady managed to do it. He's only heading for the HOF. How did he do it?

 

[Ring 6]

Tom Brady managed to do it. He's only heading for the HOF. How did he do it?

Why do you think he got better by sitting? To me he got better once he started playing.

 

[VJCPatriot]

The reason is you can’t afford to lose games because you didn’t put your best player on the field at the most important position.

Look I understand the feeling that when you have a Ferrari waiting in the garage you want to take it for a spin.

But the fact is a football career, especially a significant one is a long term thing. Mac Jones 'could be' the guy for 10-20 years for this team.

I see no benefit to risk ruining that for the short term gratification of seeing him play 6 or 16 games earlier.

5 years from now I'd rather hear the story about how sitting on the bench goaded Mac to strive to become better and dethrone the incumbent QB and go on to greatness than read the story about how the Patriots rushed a potential franchise QB and burned him out and got him shelled his first 6 games of his career and he never lived up to that potential.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Why do you think he got better by sitting? To me he got better once he started playing.

The QB position is the most complicated and important position on the field. It's not easy to learn, especially at the pro level.

There's stuff that a QB learns in film room and weeks and weeks of practice as a pro athlete that the fans never see or know about.

The Patriots are not in the position of the bad franchises who are 'forced' to throw their rookie QB into the fire and end up burning up a talented prospect.

I think most of us agree that Mac Jones is talented. The disagreement appears to be whether he's ready to start. I don't think the rookie is ready, nor should he be rushed, when given a proper development window he could turn into a great and possibly 'franchise level' QB.

I'll respectfully agree to disagree and stop there.

 

[sb1]

5 years from now I'd rather hear the story about how sitting on the bench goaded Mac to strive to become better and dethrone the incumbent QB and go on to greatness than read the story about how the Patriots rushed a potential franchise QB and burned him out and got him shelled his first 6 games of his career and he never lived up to that potential.

Peyton Manning had some real stinkers in his rookie year - 6 TD 14 INT in his first 6 games - and he turned out all right. If Mac is ruined by getting shelled he never belonged in the league to begin with.

 

[Ring 6]

Look I understand the feeling that when you have a Ferrari waiting in the garage you want to take it for a spin.

But the fact is a football career, especially a significant one is a long term thing. Mac Jones 'could be' the guy for 10-20 years for this team.

I see no benefit to risk ruining that for the short term gratification of seeing him play 6 or 16 games earlier.

5 years from now I'd rather hear the story about how sitting on the bench goaded Mac to strive to become better and dethrone the incumbent QB and go on to greatness than read the story about how the Patriots rushed a potential franchise QB and burned him out and got him shelled his first 6 games of his career and he never lived up to that potential.

I see no risk of ruining him.
Football players play football. If playing football causes him to “burn out” then he wasn’t going to be the guy any way.
I don’t understand how he is any more equipped because he stops playing football for a year.
If we had a crappy team and an OL that would get him beat up then I could understand the experience being a negative, but that’s not the case.
Why ****** his development when he and the team around him are ready to win? Why waste a year of his career?

 

[Ring 6]

The QB position is the most complicated and important position on the field. It's not easy to learn, especially at the pro level.

There's stuff that a QB learns in film room and weeks and weeks of practice as a pro athlete that the fans never see or know about.

The Patriots are not in the position of the bad franchises who are 'forced' to throw their rookie QB into the fire and end up burning up a talented prospect.

I think most of us agree that Mac Jones is talented. The disagreement appears to be whether he's ready to start. I don't think the rookie is ready, nor should he be rushed, when given a proper development window he could turn into a great and possibly 'franchise level' QB.

I'll respectfully agree to disagree and stop there.

He isn’t going to learn anything in the film room by not playing. If he isn’t the starter he hadn’t taking practice reps, he’s running the scout team.
Of course it’s complicated, and that’s exactly the reason you need to learn by doing.
Where he is today is pretty where he is going to be after he’s done sitting round doing nothing and evidently figuring it out by osmosis.

 

[Ring 6]

Peyton Manning had some real stinkers in his rookie year - 6 TD 14 INT in his first 6 games - and he turned out all right. If Mac is ruined by getting shelled he never belonged in the league to begin with.
View attachment 34937

Exactly and Manning learned from that adversity. He wouldn’t have learned it sitting on the bench. This would have been his second year.