New England Patriots
Ron backs Cam signing
Cam Newton’s long-time head coach with the Panthers was Ron Rivera. Like Newton, the Panthers moved on from Rivera this offseason and he’s now the head coach of Washington. After the quarterback signed with the Patriots last week, Rivera spoke about Newton’s chances of a successful comeback, which of course, might have something to do with the Bills.
“He’s headed in the right direction,” Rivera said. “I mean, he’s probably about as healthy as it gets from what I’ve seen on video. I think he’s ready to bust out. I would never bet against the young man, that’s for sure.”
“Don’t bet against him,” Rivera added. “I really wouldn’t.”
In addition, another report said former Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner gave Bill Belichick the green light on signing Newton.
“My whole deal is, when Cam was healthy, and we were there with him [in 2018], we were 6–2,” Turner said. “Just look at the tape—played his ass off. His issue was more health than anything else, and from what I understand, I don’t think these are health issues that he can’t overcome. He’s had the time off now. I think he’ll be great.”
Newton’s certainly got some big shoes to fill with Tom Brady skipping town to the Bucs. But Rivera’s sentiments were previously shared by another coach who had a good look at Newton, Bills head coach Sean McDermott who spent five seasons with Newton in Carolina when he was their defensive coordinator.
“Well, he was an MVP of the league for a reason a couple years ago and I had a front row seat to watch him on a day-to-day basis and watch his strengths,” said McDermott. “There are just some different things that Cam brings to the table that maybe other quarterbacks don’t.”