Jimmy Garoppolo, 3 other quarterbacks under pressure in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Cam Newton, New England Patriots
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t the only veteran quarterback looking at a promising rookie behind him on the depth chart.
Patriots signal-caller Cam Newton returned on a one-year deal, and the 40,000-foot view is he’s a bridge to New England’s top pick from this year’s NFL Draft, quarterback Mac Jones, which is fine.
Yet there are early signs Jones, the No. 15 overall pick, isn’t quite ready to start at the pro level despite his own pro-readiness being a key reason why he was viewed as a first-round talent. For now, it seems head coach Bill Belichick is fully intent on letting Newton handle all starting duties, relegating Jones to bench duties to start his career.
Whereas Garoppolo has to overcome the injury association, something which Newton dealt with as well, Newton is also coming off one of the worst statistical campaigns of his career in which he completed 65.8 percent of his passes but for just 2,657 yards and an 8-to-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio with an 82.9 passer rating.
Granted, Newton didn’t have too many weapons at his disposal in 2020. But considering he hasn’t quite looked the same since his 2015 MVP year and just turned 32 years old, this upcoming season will determine a lot about how big a future Newton has at the NFL level.
Like the 49ers, the Pats are eventually going to want to make the switch to their quarterbacking rookie, but Newton will want to make sure the hot seat doesn’t warm up too much, and a stellar campaign could ensure his career continues into 2022 and beyond.