It might be hyperbolic to say quarterback Cam Newton looked like the New England Patriots’ best receiver on a trick play when he made an 16-yard reception in a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 6. But it was one of the most explosive passing plays of the day for New England — and Newton did break a tackle in impressive fashion in a way that no other receiver did.
Where is Newton confidence in his receiver?
“Extremely high,” he said.
The quarterback finished completing 68% of his passes but he threw for just 171 yards and had two interceptions. Damiere Byrd led receivers with three catches for 38 yards. N’Keal Harry couldn’t log a catch and Julian Edelman had just two catches for eight yards. It was not pretty.
Cam Newton asked where is confidence is with his WR group: "Extremely high." pic.twitter.com/hSEhaWV1wT
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) October 18, 2020
So with Newton having arguably his worst day as a Patriot, he was asked whether he stood by his comment earlier this season that New England had the requisite talent in the locker room at receiver. And his simple answer — “extremely high” — is yet another testament to his support of his receivers off the field, even if they’re not supporting him on the field. Newton took some blame for the final play for New England, a misfire to N’Keal Harry, who had gotten open on a route. Newton fired an uncatchable pass high and outside. It wasn’t clear, however, whether Harry ran the proper route.
“Well we didn’t execute the way we’re supposed to and that’s a lot. That was contingent upon me. I knew I was going to get hit,” Newton said after the game. “So I just tried to find a spot to give him, so he could make a play on it. There was a defender on the interior part stealing the field, so I still tried to give him an opportunity. So that’s what it came down to.
Newton isn’t giving up on his pass-catchers and he’s not throwing them under the bus.
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