The New England Patriots need all the help they can get following the exit of Tom Brady. There is perhaps no better quarterback to fill that void than Cam Newton. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old has been struggling to lead the Pats, raising questions on his future.

The current NFL season has not been an enjoyable one for the former MVP. After making a good impression in his first couple of games, Newton found himself being sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19.

Newton was able to recover from the coronavirus and rejoin his teammates last week. Out since early October, most were divided on whether the 31-year-old was good to go. But with the Patriots needing a push, coach Bill Belichick took a chance and started him against the Denver Broncos.

Unfortunately, Newton was from his usual self. He was also a woeful sight when New England battled the San Francisco 49ers. They were beaten badly, 33-6, with most now lashing out at Newton. When asked why his performance has been subpar, he admitted that he was lacking something in his game, NBC Sports reported.

“I don’t think it’s anything with mechanics. It’s seeing the situation at hand and I caught myself just pressing too much. The energy is definitely been off for me and at times it’s not rewarding when you’re just going out there with this aura about yourself that’s not you. I love playing this football game. I have fun playing this football game, but the performances here hasn’t been somewhat delightful for me to have fun in doing so,” Newton said.

In that game, Newton was taken out in the second half after going 9-of-15 on his passes. Jarret Stidham took over but the deficit was too much to overhaul. The Pats face the Buffalo Bills in Week 8 and there is no telling if Newton will finally recall his old form. All he can do now is try to get better. Another poor performance may dictate what is in store for the former NFL MVP after this season.

“So I just got to be better,” Newton said. “And a lot of things starts and stops at that position and I understand that. And I have put this team in a rut with the performances here, and yet just start over with Monday and see where it goes.”

Cam Newton
Cam Newton speaks on social injustices plaguing African Americans. Ezra Shaw, Getty Images

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