The New England Patriots drafted their quarterback of the future when they selected Mac Jones during the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and current starting quarterback Cam Newton knows that the 2021 season is huge for the future of his playing career.
During an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin show, Newton was brutally honest about his play in 2020 as the Patriots starter, saying his work on the field was “obviously not good enough” (h/t ESPN’s Mike Reiss).
Newton, 32, knows that this is a huge season for the future of his career.
“For me, the Patriots’ organization has been impeccable … my time there has been everything I could have asked for. I guess it’s now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through.”
Newton also pointed to a full offseason being a benefit to helping him be more comfortable in the offensive system.
“I don’t want to get so caught up in promises and things like that, but I can guarantee you that there’s been a shift in comfort of knowing more. And I think that’s added value in itself,”
Newton also praised the rookie Jones saying – “He’s came on into the locker room with a business approach, learning his teammates, understanding that ‘I have to raise my level of play from the collegiate level to the professional level.’ I’m here for him, as well as he’s here for me.”
“I’m just being honest with you. Me having this conversation in July is irrelevant. This is just going to be the clickbait for the next 24 to 48 hours — ‘This is how Cam feels.’ But truth be told, nothing is going to matter until July 22 [when he reports to the team],” Newton said.
“Then as training camp goes forward, everybody is going to start seeing, ‘What’s the work that’s been put in? Has he been in the playbook? Does he really understand? Is his comfort what he says it is? Is he in good shape? Is his shoulder holding up? Is his foot holding up?’
“We play in a sport that is strictly based off the final product. And the final product is on game days. With that being said, it’s just going to come down to winning and losing.”
