Cam Newton emerging as New England Patriots top QB option

The excellence of Cam Newton so far in training camp should be no surprise as he emerges to take the reins of the New England Patriots quarterback position.

The rave reviews for New England’s “new” quarterback, Cam Newton should come as no surprise to New England Patriots fans as they probably don’t come as any surprise for non-Patriots fans throughout NFL fandom.

Cam Newton was MVP and first-team All-Pro quarterback of the National Football League in 2015. That notwithstanding, observers in New England actually offered commentary that there was a real quarterback competition in New England after Newton signed. There wasn’t. There isn’t.

The recent injury to Jarret Stidham just moved up the inevitable timetable for when even a relatively healthy Newton would have assumed the reins of the Patriots’ offense.

Why a former MVP was looked upon as anything but a sure-fire starter is puzzling. Even more startling was the thinking that an essentially rookie quarterback who has thrown a total of a paltry 4 passes in his NFL career would win the starting job over Newton.

The only question in the whole debate or rather a discussion was whether Newton would be healthy enough to pick up the ball and play. That’s it.

What’s been interesting to observe, however, is how wonderfully his teammates have taken to Newton not only as a quarterback but equally as important, as a great guy and leader.

The invincible Julian Edelman (and there definitely should be a movie be made about Edelman’s improbable rise from being an unknown Kent State quarterback to a New England Patriots superstar wide receiver, for sure) was quoted by boston.com as saying,

"“He’s definitely a former MVP for a reason,” Edelman explained. “The guy is a professional. He works his tail off. He’s extremely dynamic and he’s got a charming personality. It’s been fun to be around."

That’s from the lock future Patriots  Hall-of-Famer and should-be Pro Football Hall-of-Famer as well.

When Edleman speaks, all Patriots fans should listen. And what he’s saying is exactly what we hoped to hear. His position coach also seems to have quite a positive vibe as well. Here’s an excerpt from what Jedd Fisch had to say recently,

"… the improvement that he is making on a daily basis are sometimes what you could see some other guys that have been in the same system for a few years make on a monthly basis."

Newton’s uber-talent was never in doubt, only his health and his “fit” (not his “fitness”) were in question at all. We in New England only observed him from afar previously.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season

But now, hearing how well he has assimilated the New England culture and playbook, it will be a real treat to see him in action when the games start next month. A real treat. Can’t wait to see it. The AFC East opposition most certainly has a different feeling about seeing Newton in a Patriots’ uniform. The polar opposite view, for certain.

This is going to be a great ride. If Newton stays healthy, there should be no boundaries set for what the New England Patriots might accomplish in 2020 and early 2021.

None.

Cam Newton will be a leader for the New England Patriots

Cam Newton will clearly lead this New England offense as its quarterback as long as he is physically able. He should also be tagged immediately as a captain. He’s a leader and he’ll be a top leader along with Edelman and David Andrews on offense as will Devin McCourty on defense and Matthew Slater on special teams.

And to address another bit of blather in the media about Cam Newton and the New England Patriots in the future, i.e. in the 2021 season and beyond, don’t rule ANYTHING out. The speculation is that this is a “one-and-done” year for Newton in New England. That’s it, end of story. While it may very well be a “show me” type of season, some observers have ruled out any hope of a contract extension for Newton after this season. Balderdash.

If Newton stays healthy and does what he is capable of, he will transform New England’s hopes. The team will transform from a post-Tom Brady team likely to have a 7-9, 8-8 or maybe a 9-6 record at best (primarily due to its defense), to a big-time playoff-hopeful with the ability at the position to go deep into the playoffs, possibly even to an AFC Championship game. If that should happen and he stays healthy, another big “if”, but if it should, New England would be well-advised to give him a market-based extension.

The Patriots will have big dollars to spend in free agency next season, $94.1M at present, and that could get even larger. The place to spend a good chunk of that cash on is your quarterback. There’s no single more important place. None.

This observer is ruling nothing out for Cam Newton after this season. If things go as well as they may, there should be no dismissing Newton’s possibly staying on with the New England Patriots for the long-term.

This observer is ruling nothing out in the future. If things go well, Newton and the Patriots can come together and maybe even create a new dynasty in New England.

If anyone has any doubts about eventualities, maybe they had an inkling in the offseason that a certain No. 12 would be quarterbacking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020?

Rule nothing out for the future. Meanwhile, buckle up your seatbelts, we’re going for a fun ride and it might just be a great race to the finish line.