Does the Patriots offense take a Jump with Newton?

Patriots writer Paul Perillo wrote an article about the Patriots offense having the potential to move up in the rankings.

Belichick has praised Stidham but it's also been made clear that he wanted a second year to develop Stidham. Although the timing couldn't be too much worse, it's why he signed Cam Newton on a one year deal.

The signing instantly makes the competition for the Patriots starting job a three way race. Stidham was the favorite over Brian Hoyer but now, Newton jumps to the front of the pack.

Newton has had his share of injuries. In 2014 he suffered a Transverse process fracture. He had a concussion actually put on the books in 2016. A strained shoulder in 2017. A sprained shoulder in 2018 and in 2019 a Mid foot sprain. Over his career, he has missed 18 games due to injury. 16 of those games came in 2018 and 2019.

If Newton does make the roster, McDaniels will adapt the offense to him. McDaniels was already preparing it for Stidham. Newton can do everything Stidham can do and then some on the ground. The offense will still be 66% of Brady's offense, otherwise they'd have to teach all 53 men a new playbook.

The Patriots have weapons, it's just will they perform. It's doubtful that Newton will come in and refuse to throw to people for whatever reason. The Patriots Still have their running backs, and now healthy, the Patriots have an offensive line that can block.

Newton has been rehabbing all summer for the injury he suffered during the 2019 season. It's been reported that Newton's last physical was in March.

While I disagree with Perillo about it being a rebuild instead of a retooling, Perillo is right about fans having hope. 

Perillo wrote "Although he's never been considered elite in terms of accuracy - he's topped 62 percent for a season just once in his nine years - Newton provides hope. With Stidham or Hoyer, New England seemed destined for a rebuilding season at best as Belichick attempts to overturn an aging roster."

While Newton gives fans hope, the one thing he listed about Newton is the one thing that also causes concern, His accuracy. Outside of the three seasons Newton has thrown over 60% completion percentage, his career average is 57.6%. For a quarterback that is scary and why Newton, like Lamar Jackson; is called a running who throws the football.

Perillo points out that Newton gives Stidham time to develop. He also notes that with the virus, Belichick cannot do things the way he normally would. With the virus lurking, Cam may never play a game for the Patriots. At least the Buccaneers signed Brady for two seasons, giving them a chance if covid shuts down the NFL.

Perillo finishes by saying "There is no doubt the Patriots got better by signing Newton. Now it's a matter of making sure he's healthy to determine just how much better New England can be."

I'll give him that. At his worst, Newton is a good running back who's passing accuracy is as bad as Hoyer's when he's playing off. Just the threat of Newton running makes the Patriots better.