August 31, 2021, was a highly anticipated date on the NFL calendar because it is the day when all 32 franchises were required to cut their roster to 53 players for the new season. “Cut day” is usually underwhelming because it usually involves the cutting and trading of fringe players. However, this past Tuesday, the Patriots made a franchise-altering decision to cut Cam Newton from the roster. In this article, we will explore the top 5 reasons why this was the right decision by Bill Belichick.
Number 1-Mac Jones won the battle over Cam
From the start of camp, the battle for the starting quarterback job attracted the attention of the media and fans. Cam was given the decisive advantage of practicing and playing with the starting unit, and it felt as if he was in a position to start the season. However, Mac Jones mostly played with the second and third units but got more extended play in the preseason. Cam played well but not well enough in camp and preseason games. Jones learned the playbook, executed in games and joint practices beyond the level that Newton produced. Jones has lived up and exceeded expectations as the “most ready rookie quarterback” to play this season.
Number 2 –Mac Jones fits the Patriots style of play better
The Patriots’ offense last season just never felt like it was operating proficiently with Newton under center. Cam is one of the best quarterbacks in the run game but it is not the ideal manner that Josh McDaniels would like to operate his offense. Newton’s ball security was always an issue based on the ten interceptions and six fumbles last season. In college, Mac Jones played at Alabama in a similar system to the Patriots’ current offense. In that system, he plays the role of “point guard” in distributing the ball to the most highly recruited running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers at the collegiate level. In the off-season, the Patriots built this team for their next quarterback to succeed by drafting and signing good weapons. The system will be perfect for Mac to be himself, make the right reads and deliver the ball accurately. It is precisely the traits that Brady showed as he emerged as a starter in the league.
Number 3- Removes the cloud of uncertainty
Mac Jones could have been declared the starter for week 1, and Cam could have been retained as his backup. However, what would have happened if Jones threw a bad interception in the first half at home in the first game? Would the fans boo him and start clamoring for Newton to be put into the game? It would then put Jones in an uncomfortable position knowing that he is on a short leash. Therefore, cutting Cam removes the potential anxiety on Jones and gives him the confidence to produce. Without Cam in the shadow lurking, it will allow him to learn from mistakes and get better.
Number 4- Cam Newton is not a backup quarterback
Cam is a former national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and the 2015 Most Valuable Player. He accepted the opportunity last year to come to New England because it gave him the best chance to start and compete. Therefore, he would not have been happy being the backup quarterback and waiting for a rookie to potentially mess things up badly before getting his chance to shine. Therefore, the Patriots did the honorable thing by cutting Cam Newton. It will allow him to seek a starting job with another franchise.
Number 5- Cam’s Unvaccinated Status could have derailed the season
Cam had a good week 2 performance in the preseason when he completed 8 of 9 his passes for 103 yards and one touchdown in three series. However, as the team prepared to face the Giants, a piece of breaking news regarding Newton detonated in the sports world. The news was that Cam had a misunderstanding with the team about the Covid protocol and had to stay away from the facilities for five days. Cam made the personal decision not to be vaccinated but he has to know the protocol which punishes any missteps. The Patriots perhaps thought of this scenario replaying itself later in the season and potentially compromising the team’s success. Fair or unfair, it certainly was part of the decision to make Jones the starter and to cut him from the team.
