In a perfect world, every play would net the offense a minimum 3.5 yards per play. That's not the case and the Patriots are going to need to convert on third and long. Currently the Patriots are converting 43.57% on third down. The Buffalo Bills are converting over 49% and this up coming LA Rams over 46%. So the best thing defensively the Patriots can do is hang onto the ball for as long as possible.
Currently the Patriots are ranked 30th in passing offense per game and are ranked last in passing first downs. Everyone has heard the excuse that the Patriots don't have weapons and the pass catchers cannot get open.
First, Newton never had weapons in Carolina according to his fans and he still moved the chains via the air. Secondly, starting against the Broncos, that myth of players not getting open was busted. Analysts are privy to coaches tape, which shows everything, not just the scope from the broadcast.
Almost every week since the Denver game, they have pointed out people like Ryan Izzo or N'Keal Harry being open and not getting the pass. The television has even shown it with Keene and Izzo being open and Newton not getting them the ball. At one point it was noted that Cam didn't throw to his right, meaning anyone open on his right was ignored.
Cam Newton has been called a see it and throw it quarterback, the 31 year old former mvp is having his mechanics changed because he's inaccurate. He's a 10 year veteran and that's something one hears about for rookies and sophomores.
Newton has his best completion percentage for a season so far but watching him, balls are high, wide or in the dirt; placement is off. The guy cannot drink and dunk. He throws grounders and dirt balls. Like Ray Rauth said, He has to learn to do that.
So how much of his high completion percentage falls onto how good of pass catchers his teammates are? A lot actually. They're making him look more accurate than he is.
Cam is the starter but for an example, Jarrett Stidham came in versus the Chargers and hit a timing route to Gunner across the middle for a touchdown. Being a throw it and see it quarterback, Newton struggles on those plays. With exception to Byrd, those are the routes that the Patriots pass catchers are built for. Newton doesn't have the accuracy to hit a player consistently with the defender within 2 yards if his target.
Speaking of Byrd, Newton had him open but his inaccuracy costed the Patriots when he missed badly on a 44 yard bomb versus the bolts. Luckily the Patriots didn't need it then but what happens against Miami, Buffalo, or LA if the Patriots are struggling and can take the lead with under two minutes and Newton misses that play? Newton's accuracy issues have proven that it's a real concern that in that scenario. That would be the outcome.
So while it's every coaches dream that their offense is so productive that they're always in short and third or that they never get to third; it's unrealistic to expect them to be that productive, especially against good defenses.
One more thing, three of the four remaining opponents are going to stack the Box. It's nice Cam Newton can run for touchdowns but quarterbacks are expected to have more throwing touchdowns then rushing. If Newton was newr or over 20 rushing touchdowns for the season, nobody would have an issue with how many passing touchdowns he has. Typically the average quarterback throws for about 25 touchdowns and then rush maybe upto an additional 4 more.
Cam Newton can be the inconsistent game manager in the passing game versus Miami and the Jets. The defense and special teams should be able to pick up his slack during those two games.
However, in return the defense needs Newton to play like he has the passing ability of a 12-16 range quarterback. Not like one who can't lead the offense with his arm. The Patriots are ranked 30th in passing offense. As much as people wanna believe he's throwing like a sharpshooter, he's more like sporadic like a Gatling gun operator. He'll hit the target but he'll hit everything else also.
The receivers might only be getting a yard to yard and half separation but this is the NFL, not college. That's wide open, Newton has to start putting the ball in their hands and not in their bubble. Otherwise the Patriots are gonna need more of a miracle to make the post season.
Another thing, now that Michel has lost his job, it's time to start using him as a pass catcher. We've seen an inaccurate Brady in 2019 miss him. What he did versus the Chargers
The RGIII, Vick, Lamar Jackson style offenses are supposed to be exciting. The Patriots Cam Newton style is slow and I have heard many fans this season complain that these are the most boring Patriots games they've ever seen, even with the trick and gadget plays. Without the threat of a quick strike passing attack in this offense, even fans don't respect the passing game. For myself, last year was boring offensively but this offense is actually worse. Idk how that could be possible.
Quick strike passing attack just doesn't appear to be part of Newton's game. Hopefully for the next few weeks, Newton can fake it until the Patriots make it (to the playoffs). Then they can game plan for the playoff teams accordingly. It all starts with the man under center. Currently, it all starts with Newton and that's a scary thought.
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