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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots looks on during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
In a surprising turn of events, New England Patriots decided to let go of their quarterback, Cam Newton, on Tuesday. The starting quarterback of the franchise from last season was competing against the youngster Mac Jones for the spot.
After the departure of Tom Brady from the Patriots, the quarterback spot was handed over to the 32-year-old. Yet he failed to deliver as expected of him. And as a result, the franchise did not get qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 25: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Mac Jones vs. Cam Newton
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Cam Newton threw just eight touchdowns with 10 interceptions with an 82.9 passer rating last season. This nightmare of a season for him resulted in him losing his job. Though the Patriots gained interest in the 22-year-old quarterback from Alabama, Mac Jones, for his promising preseason displays.
During the last installment of the preseason, he completed 10 of 14 pass attempts for 156 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions. Earning his spot in Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookie quarterback in the preseason, with a score of 92.2/100.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Mac Jones (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New England Patriots as the number 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
This mesmerizing performance earned him the spot as the starting quarterback for the season for the Patriots. Mac Jones has won the battle between him and Newton, though he is still to win the war.
Cam Newton’s reaction on Instagram
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After the surprising announcement from the New England Patriots, Newton took to Instagram to calm down his sympathetic fans. He wrote, “I really appreciate all the love and support during this time but I must say… Please don’t feel sorry for me!!” concluding with a “#I’mGood” hashtag.
Cam Newton’s thoughts (via his IG story) on being released: “Please don’t feel sorry for me!!” pic.twitter.com/dpvtHIxCFR
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2021
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Coach Bill Belichick repeatedly said that Cam Newton was the team’s starting quarterback unless they reestablish the position. The Captain of the Patriots was, however, removed from the spot as the rookie emerged as a better player to invest in for the rest of the season.
The untimely removal of the quarterback has certainly surprised the NFL fans altogether. It is still to be seen where the next move of Newton is going to be and will the Patriots qualify for the playoffs this time with Jones.
