Getty Cam Newton
The New England Patriots‘ Cam Newton was trending on Sunday afternoon, even before his game versus the Arizona Cardinals got underway.
As has been the case throughout this season, Newton’s pregame outfit has social media buzzing.
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The Western Theme
Newton has gone with a few different looks this season for his pregame outfit. On Sunday, he took things out west. When I say west, I mean like, Clint Eastwood, spaghetti western west. Take a look at the poncho-powered look Newton gave the world ahead of the Patriots’ matchup with the Cardinals.
As is the case with quite a few of Newton’s looks, it’s not necessarily for me, but I will say this one is pretty interesting. He’s clearly changed the act of pregame outfits into an art form.
The Reaction
As you might imagine, the reactions were aplenty to Newton’s latest look.
The Cam Newton getup for Week 12.
They put Cam Newton in the new Red Dead Redemption 🔥
Cam Newton is dressed for a showdown at high noon 😂
Cam Newton: “This town ain’t big enough for the two of us,
partner.”
Tom Brady: “Cam, I already told you that I moved to Tampa.”
The Early Going in the Game
On the field, Newton got off to a bad start. The Patriots have struggled to handle the blitz all season, and the Cardinals were clearly aware of this problem as they dialed up pressure on New England’s first play from scrimmage.
The pressure produced a hit on Newton as he threw, and the ball bounced in the air and was intercepted. The turnover, which snapped a streak of 117 consecutive throws by Newton without an interception, led to a touchdown from Kenyan Drake and an early 7-0 hole for the Patriots.
The rest of the half was hit and miss for the Patriots’ offense. Newton did lead his team on a touchdown-scoring drive toward the end of the first quarter and into the second period. They needed a fourth-down conversion, which was converted by a perfectly executed option lateral from Newton to James White that got into the end zone.
However, the team was unable to put any more points on the board. After a crucial fourth-down goalline stand to close out the first half, the Patriots settled for a three-point deficit as the half ended with the Cardinals up 10-7.
Patriots’ Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
The Patriots found a way to get it done in this game, edging out Arizona 20-17 on a Nick Folk field goal in the final seconds. Having entered the Week 12 contest with a 4-6 record, another loss would all but kill any hopes they have of making it to the postseason. They are in a position where they need to essentially win out to have a good shot at the postseason, though 10-6 doesn’t guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
The NFL has added a playoff spot, and there is talk that another could be added as well, which would help the Patriots and other bubble teams. The last time the Patriots missed the postseason was 2008 when Tom Brady was injured for the season, and Matt Cassel took over at QB. The Patriots finished 11-5, but it wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs.