Getty Patriots QB Cam Newton
New England Patriots QB Cam Newton might deliver the best interviews of anyone in professional sports. In one of his recent gems, Newton uttered a candidate for quote of the year.
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Newton: ‘I Was Getting Tired of Sucking’
Shortly after Nick Folk booted a game-winning 51-yard field goal to push the Patriots over the New York Jets in Week 9 and end their four-game losing streak, a smiling Newton spoke with ESPN’s Lisa Salters who asked him about the win and his performance.
Newton said simply, “I was getting tired of sucking.”
“Simple. As a competitor, you know what your standard is,” Newton continued. “Taking pride in your work, that’s what it comes down to. You not being able to hold your head up because you’re thinking too much, that’s one thing. But at the same time, you’re solely responsible for the performance that you put up. I was extremely disappointed.”
Newton didn’t throw any touchdown passes, but he did find the end zone twice on the ground and was incredibly efficient with his throws, completing 27-of-35 passes for 274 yards. His qualities, the overall rushing attack, special teams, and a defense that finally woke up were the keys to New England’s 10-point comeback victory.
Newton’s Day Can Be Something to Build Upon
It seems Newton might be returning to the form he showed in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks when he was beginning to look like the NFL’s biggest offseason steal. In a Week 9 film study column, Pats Pulpit’s Mark Schofield wrote:
Much of the angst surrounding the Patriots offense right now stems from worries over the passing game. If you dive into the numbers, over the past two weeks quarterback Cam Newton has completed 42 of 60 passes for 448 yards, no touchdowns, but also no interceptions. Over that same span of time, Newton has also carried the football 19 times for 70 yards and three touchdowns. Beyond that, Newton’s QBR of 90.1 in Week 9 placed him sixth in the league, behind Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco (sigh), Kyler Murray, and Matt Ryan. One data point, but Newton’s best QBR of the season, even surpassing his numbers in the narrow loss to the Seattle Seahawks back in Week 2.
Many critics are slow to validate any success had against the Jets, so while Newton may have shined, he needs a strong performance on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens to win over a few more naysayers.
The Big Hit Doesn’t Appear to Have Led to an Immediate Issue
While Newton played well against the Jets, a lack of recognition in one instance cost him. Late in the second quarter, the 6-foot-5 inch, 245-pound playmaker was drilled by Jets rookie S Ashtyn Davis, who had a direct bead on the quarterback after TE Ryan Izzo released into the flat.
Had Newton seen Davis, he would have had Izzo for a big gainer. He didn’t and ate a massive hit that looked as though it may have resulted in a case of whiplash. On Tuesday, Newton said he was having some neck discomfort, however he hasn’t appeared on New England’s Week 10 injury report and has been a full participant throughout the week.
That’s a good sign and a testament to the veteran’s toughness. He’s taken some tough hits during his entire career, and I’m sure he’d be just fine if he doesn’t have to take another one like that again.
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