2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?
By Randy Gurzi
27. Cam Newton, New England Patriots
Once an NFL MVP, Cam Newton now enters 2021 trying to fend off Mac Jones, the New England Patriots’ first-round pick. The good news for Newton is that the Patriots seem like a team that would prefer to start the veteran, at least to start the season, which gives him a leg up entering 2021.
The real question surrounding Newton, however, is why he and the Patriots decided to work together again at all. Sure, they had a solid start to the season but before long, it was painfully clear that he wasn’t a fit in the offense Josh McDaniels runs.
Newton threw for 2,657 yards with eight touchdowns against 10 picks. He did add 592 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing but was still just 7-8 as the starter for New England.
Not every quarterback can be Tom Brady, but the way Brady ran this offense before Newton seemed to be a much better fit. The quick-passing, timing routes were what made defenses frustrated whereas Newton seemed to be a player still trying to rely on his athleticism first.
It probably won’t be long before we see Jones taking over and he too is a timing passer who gets the ball out early. With all the new offenses additions they had this season, that could help Jones, but for now, Newton is the starter and he’s simply not the player we remember from his days in Carolina.