Year one of quarterback Cam Newton in Foxboro didn’t go exactly as planned for the 2020 New England Patriots.
Following Sunday afternoon’s 22-12 defeat to the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since the 2008 season, falling to 6-8, a franchise low that hasn’t been seen since 2002.
Against the Dolphins, Newton again struggled to find any rhythm on offense, failing to find the end zone for the second consecutive week, and third time in four games.
On Monday, Newton took to his Instagram and wrote a letter to Patriots Nation reflecting on his disappointing season while holding himself accountable for not living up to the organization’s standards.
“Dear Patriot Nation, I will be the first to tell you that this year has been unacceptable in more ways than one!!” Newton wrote. “And the standard has been and always have been set; and unfortunately we (I) did not live up to what that standard was at all times or consistently enough!! With that being said the answer(s) is (are) in the locker room and one thing I do know about this bunch is that this locker room is filled with guys who want to be a part of the solution including me!!
“All things considered; you will not see any ‘finger pointing’ or ‘excuse making’ but more accountability being placed on the guys (me) to get the job done!! I think I speak for myself and others when I say challenge accepted!!”
Speaking with WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday, Newton discussed where he stands with the team as the season winds down and whether or not he expects to start the final two games.
“I am going to leave it up to the people I have been leaving it up to since Day 1,” Newton said. “I am not going to get caught up into it or feed into that knowing that I am still on a job interview, to be honest with you. It’s my job to put the best version of me on film and that’s what I plan on doing.”
Head coach Bill Belichick remained mum on whether or not Jarrett Stidham will replace Newton at quarterback.
“Really the same question you just asked. We’ll see,” Belichick said Monday.
“We’ll evaluate what the opportunities are,” Belichick continued. “We’re still going to prepare and play as well as we can on Monday night. We’ll see how that all shakes out. It could be a possibility in certain situations.”
Newton will hit free agency following the season, but doesn’t appear to be considering retirement as an option at this time.
“Man, listen, I am not there,” he said. “One of my goals this year, for what it’s worth, was just to finish the year healthy. This year man, God has granted me and given me the opportunity to play a healthy season, for what it’s worth.
“Yeah, I still have a lot of football left and I still want to play football and I have the urge to be better and after putting on this film, come on now. I can’t go out like this. I definitely can’t go out like this.”
In 13 starts this season, Newton has completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 2,381 yards, but has a 5-10 TD/INT ratio.
When carrying the football, Newton has 11 rushing touchdowns on 122 attempts for 489 yards.
Newton and the Patriots will look to end the 2020 season on a positive note against the division winning Buffalo Bills on Monday night at Gillette Stadium.
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