The saying that governs the world of NFL it is clear: “There is no such thing as an ugly triumph.”
Cam Newton and the New England Patriots They have pushed that maximum to the limit during a period in which they have been victorious in three of their last four games to keep their postseason aspirations alive. More importantly, they know it and are happy with it.
Sunday before Cardinals, Newton pasó for just 84 yards completing just 9 of 18 shipments with two interceptions, and added another 46 yards by land. Collectively, the Patriots held on to their second win in three weeks against an opponent with a winning record despite accumulating just 179 total yards.
And it’s OK.
“I’ll be the first person to admit that I didn’t play my best yesterday.”Newton said Monday morning, hours after putting the Pats 5-6 with a 20-17 victory over Arizona. But let’s be totally clear: I’m not playing this for statistical gain. I don’t play this for any kind of individual achievement. I play to win. I will not apologize for winning “, sentenced the veteran passer.
If Newton doesn’t apologize for winning, that’s fine, just as no one would have expected otherwise. Well said his predecessor behind the center in New England, Tom Brady, the only statistic that matters in this game is that of wins and losses. That is very understandable. But even Newton himself must be aware that games like Sunday’s are not what you want to put on your resume if you are looking to stay in the league long term.
“It’s a weird feeling, but at the end of the day, I’ve had the quarterback rating, the stats and all that effort translate into a loss.“, said. “And I’ve had games like yesterday’s in which you do everything to try to lose and still win by divine grace.”
Hand in hand with Newton, the Pats are the 27th most productive offense among the 32 teams in the league, they are last in the NFL with just 6 touchdown passes And if it weren’t for a third-best points running game on the circuit, New England couldn’t hold on to life the way it has in an ultra-competitive American Conference.
Yes, New England’s system is unconventional and definitely not aesthetically pleasing, but Newton, coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are willing to sacrifice style points to keep scoring in the win column. A dynamic offense, after all, doesn’t always have many victories to boast of, as the Patriots’ next rival, the Chargers.
