[jwplayer J1fkDGqA-ThvAeFxT]
While quarterbacking for the New England Patriots, the criticism and scrutiny is fully amped up, no matter the record.
For two decades, the Super Bowls and winning seasons didn’t keep Tom Brady away from negative media light. For a quarterback with a losing record, those questions become louder and the microscope is on everything regarding your job.
Leading to Cam Newton, the leader of a 3-5 Patriots team and the scapegoat for many issues in Foxborough. Newton began the season with MVP talks, but things rapidly descended after his positive COVID test. Regarding the season’s entirety, Newton has two touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
This calls for media attention, while ignoring the third-ranked rushing touchdowns (8) mark he’s set through eight games. On Thursday while speaking with reporters, Newton dove into his lack of touchdowns through the air.
“That’s what I say, like touchdowns are touchdowns,” Newton said, transcribed by NESN’s Doug Kyed. “A passing touchdown is no different than a running touchdown. And production as an offense is no different than if I’m scoring or Rex Burkhead is scoring or Damien Harris is scoring. It doesn’t matter. For us, or really for me since I can only speak for myself, whenever given the opportunity, I think a lot of people look down on the fact that you run touchdowns in. So be it.
“Would I want to have more touchdowns in total? I think that’s an irrelevant or an obvious question that everybody knows what the answer would be. I’m still learning. I’m still trying to get the best version of me to feel comfortable in this offense. And I think I speak for a lot of people when they say the same thing with learning the offense, trying to understand what Josh and the offensive staff are trying to get from us every day, what they’re seeing, understanding the playcall’s purpose. That will lead to offensive performances that we would like to see from touchdowns to yards to everything else. From me personally, I don’t necessarily look deep into it. But knowing, if given the opportunity, I would love to get more touchdowns. And I could care less if it came through the air or on the ground.”
With very little help at receiver or tight end, it only makes sense the 31-year-old is struggling to find receivers in the end zone. Newton still holds a 68.1 completion percentage and 314 rushing yards on 69 carries.
However Newton has to do it, it’s clear he’s putting everything out there to win, even if its less touchdowns through the air.
[vertical-gallery id=97927]