New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said firmly that he will not switch quarterbacks after pulling Cam Newton early in the fourth quarter of their 3-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night.
“Cam is our quarterback,” Belichick said in his post-game press conference, cutting off the question to give his answer.
Newton finished the 9-of-16 for 119 yards against the Rams with a costly interception, which was returned 79 yards for a touchdown when the Patriots’ temporary offense broke out again.
He was replaced by Jarrett Stidham with 10 minutes, 14 seconds and the Patriots 24-3.
Stidham, the draft for Auburn’s 2019 fourth round, had been a top contender for Tom Brady’s replacement earlier in the season before Newton signed a one-year deal on July 8.
When asked why he wouldn’t join Stidham now and what Newton showed to keep Belichick with him, Belichick simply said, “He’s our quarterback, I think I just answered that.”
The Patriots (6-7) still have a slim chance of qualifying for the postseason. The ESPN Football Power Index gives them a 6% chance. They visit the Miami Dolphins (8-4) on Sunday December 20 before concluding with two home games against the Buffalo Bills (9-3) and New York Jets (0-12).
Newton has been most effective as a rusher that season, totaling 451 yards in 113 carries with 11 touchdowns. But if the opponents restrict Newton’s rushing yards and thus the entire running game of the Patriots, the offensive could not consistently move the ball through the air.
When asked if he was worried about being replaced, Newton said, “This is not my call. I’m just doing what I asked with the mentality of getting better, and I plan to continue doing that . “
Newton is now 199-of-301 for 2,172 yards over the course of the season, with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
This, along with Belichick’s two draws of the Newton (31), who came too late to blowout losses, has raised questions about a possible change.
When asked if he was satisfied with Stidham’s development and what he saw of him this season, Belichick said, “Yes. Jarrett worked hard. He tried to take his chances. But that’s not real the point.”
Newton has sustained an abdominal injury in the last two games but said it didn’t affect him on the field.
“We just have to get better and it starts with me personally,” he said. “I just have to play more games and that is what matters.”
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