Cam Newton spoke to Keyshawn Johnson via ESPN radio. The Patriots are set to report for camp on July 22. And all eyes are going to be on the Patriots quarterbacks, especially Cam Newton. Now Newton has his share of criticism based of last season, and is fighting for his career going into this season.
Newton came to the Patriots last year and delivered a lot of hype. During the 2020 season, especially when things were going bad, Newton said all the right things. Why, because Newton knows how to market himself. So before I get into what Newton said, know that's what this talk is. It's all marketing.
Newton admitted that his play wasn't good, taking some account ability for his play. And claims the same tired spiel of seeing a new or "different" version of himself. Same thing he said last year when he said "nobody saw this version of Cam." Why? To give his fans hope.
Newton said about playing with the Patriots, "For me, the Patriots' organization has been impeccable ... my time there has been everything I could have asked for. I guess it's now time for me to uphold my end of the bargain, through and through."
This is pandering to the organization and to Robert Kraft in Hope's to save his career. It's also showing other teams that he's humble. So it's the right thing to say.
One of the excuses for Cam was that he didn't know the system or playbook, and didn't have a full offseason. He didn't have a preseason. Newton fed into that, saying "I don't want to get so caught up in promises and things like that, but I can guarantee you that there's been a shift in comfort of knowing more. And I think that's added value in itself."
He does want to get into promises but then he makes a guarantee which is a promise. What he's just done is attempt to solidify the belief in that excuse among his supporters. For two reasons, one they continue to support him, and two it means merchandise sales.
Newton recognizes Jones's presence to let everyone know he's not ignorant to the threat of someone taking his job. Newton said about Jones, "He's came on into the locker room with a business approach, learning his teammates, understanding that 'I have to raise my level of play from the collegiate level to the professional level.' I'm here for him, as well as he's here for me."
This is Newton telling the Patriots and the league, look I'm willing to step into the role of bridge quarterback and help develop younger players. Why is this important, because Newton has reached a point in his career, that it looks to become his new role in the NFL. Following in the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Newton finishes with, "I'm just being honest with you. Me having this conversation in July is irrelevant. This is just going to be the clickbait for the next 24 to 48 hours -- 'This is how Cam feels.' But truth be told, nothing is going to matter until July 22. Then as training camp goes forward, everybody is going to start seeing, 'What's the work that's been put in? Has he been in the playbook? Does he really understand? Is his comfort what he says it is? Is he in good shape? Is his shoulder holding up? Is his foot holding up?'
We play in a sport that is strictly based off the final product. And the final product is on game days. With that being said, it's just going to come down to winning and losing."
Football and especially the Patriots way has been about what have you done for me lately. Not two years ago, not five, but lately. Until the games start, lately is the 2020 season, it's OTAs and minicamp. Which Newton looked like crap. Newton acknowledging all that, is marketing. In fact everything Newton said to Johnson was marketing, it's a financial move. Newton is trying to sell himself to the fans, to the Patriots, to the NFL, and to any companies that he endorses.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Newton could sell a glass of water to fish under the ocean. It's what he does. Nothing Newton says anymore matters. So the only things that matters from him is how he looks during camp and how he plays come the preseason.
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