When the Patriots drafted Mac Jones with the fifteenth overall pick, Cam’s clock was ticking. While some thought it would take a few weeks, and some thought this was Cam’s team for at least another year, Bill Belichick thought differently. This became even more apparent with the news that Cam Newton has been released by the Patriots this morning.
Patriots have released QB Cam Newton as @globejimmcbride reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2021
What Lead to This Decision?
On paper, Mac Jones had a good preseason. Out of the five first round quarterbacks, Mac was ranked third in completion percentage, and had the most yards on the most completions and attempts. While he had the fewest touchdown passes, PFF actually had him as the highest graded quarterback. So Mac didn’t light it up, but was he good enough to justify releasing Cam?
Cam Looked Terrible
Outside of stats (where Mac outperformed Cam), the offense just looked better when Cam wasn’t on the field. Frankly, that’s not even praising Mac. The offense looked better with Brian Hoyer on the field, the (before today) third string quarterback. Yes, Cam has more athleticism than those two combined, but with Hoyer and Jones, the ball came out faster, was crisper, and more accurate. This is what led to Cam Newton’s release.
Telling of What Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels Want to Do
Bill Belichick has never had a very mobile quarterback during his time in New England, and I assume 2020 Cam gave McDaniels some Tim Tebow flashbacks. Say what you want about Mac Jones “looking like a statue” in the pocket, the Patriots road a statue to six Super Bowls. New England values accuracy and quick throws at the quarterback position over athleticism. So, while Cam might get out of the pocket, Mac can get the ball out quickly enough to nullify pressure. But the decision to release Cam may not have just come on the field.
Would Cam Have Accepted Being a Backup?
I know I have been seemingly blasting Newton, but releasing him may have unintended consequences. The defense and running game is good enough to carry the team, and Jones will have some rookie growing pains. It would make sense to have Newton there if Hoyer goes down, or Jones struggles heavily. I understand they want to avoid a 2020 Dolphins situation, but Newton could be an insurance plan.
Newton also seemed to be a good leader for the team. But that was as a starter. Would Cam’s boisterous behavior have been as accepted from the bench? Or, would Cam even accept being a backup? There’s a very real possibility that Cam thinks he’s closer to 2015 Cam instead of 2020 Cam. If that is the case, having the value Newton adds is greatly outweighed by the issues he could cause.
How Does Cam Newton’s Release Impact the Team?
This move will be controversial, but it allows the Patriots to reach their full potential. After spending $162.5 million in guarantees this offseason, mainly on the offense, it makes sense to want to get the ball in your weapons’ hands. An offense led by Mac Jones will get the ball to playmakers more consistently.
Now, when I say “reach their full potential,” I don’t mean the Patriots will rattle off 14 wins and take back the AFC East. However, this move could be the difference between the second and third spot in the division, which could mean the difference between a playoff berth and sitting at home come January.
