Cam Newton played a nearly perfect game against the New York Jets on Monday night.
He orchestrated a game-winning drive and threw 27-of-35 for 274 yards in the 30-27 win that was capped by a 51-yard Nick Folk field goal. With little to no help from the skill positions, Newton found Jakobi Meyers — who had a breakout game with 12 catches for 169 yards.
In the midst of that win, Newton took a pretty gnarly sack that resulted in a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty. The hit looked vicious and it left Newton feeling rough the following morning.
While joining WEEI’s ‘The Greg Hill Show‘ on Tuesday, Newton detailed the neck pain he was enduring.
“My neck is only working on a degree angle that shuts off the degrees to one side,” he said. “My eye muscles are getting a lot of work in today. I told Josh [McDaniels] on the sideline like, ‘Bro, that’s my fault and I deserved it.’ But, it got us 15 yards, so it’s the price you have to pay.”
The play came on the final drive of the first half that ultimately led to a Folk field goal — who was 3-of-3 on the day. It was also the first game Newton didn’t commit a turnover.
“I took it personally these last couple of weeks knowing that OK, we’re close,” Newton said. “I understand the routine that needs to be put in place for me to put this team in a position to even have a chance. For me to be dialed in and locked in, I want people to see that in this locker room and show, ‘Man, he’s here working. You don’t have to worry about Cam.’ I want to get to that point. I need to get to that point. Not only for the comfort of my teammates, but for the comfort for me.
“I know nobody cares and they are getting tired of hearing, ‘This offense is tough.’ Man, the hell with that. Now it’s time to do what you have to do to put yourself in a position to win. That is where I am at right now.”
Newton’s holding himself accountable and it’s keeping the morale up in New England — a team that’s 3-5 with a decently tough schedule ahead.
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