Cam Newton is 6-5 as a starter for the Patriots this season, but the thing most discussed with his play has been his issues in the passing game this
In those 11 games, he's completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,053 yards, five touchdowns and nine interceptions. He ranks 18th in completion %, 23rd in yards, T-34th in touchdowns, T-20th in interceptions and 28th in QB rating.
Appearing on The Greg Hill Show Tuesday, Newton was asked why he believes people are quick to criticize his passing game?
“You know what, I think a lot of times the appreciation for how I play the game is not the sexiest thing," he said. "You know what I’m saying? I would be the first person to tell you that, like people are always comparing quarterbacks, which is the right thing to do, but the styles of play are completely different. Obviously, looking at my game and looking at Patrick Mahomes’ play, Tom Brady’s play, whoever is a gunslinger in this league that throws for a lot of yards, that’s a way to win. I understand that. But, the way that the team’s have offered themselves to win has been different.
"Yeah, you can negate or kind of downplay, ‘Oh well he’s only doing this, he’s only doing that.’ Well, when your number is called and the team is relying on you to get a first down on fourth-and-2 on the first drive and you come through, then it is what it is. Or, whenever your number is called you just have to make sure that you’re ready.
"I am not here to throw up this and throw up that, but however the game needs to be won, that is what I am willing to do. That’s running the football, that’s passing the football and it’s my job to protect the football and be efficient.”
Newton has thrown for less than 100 yards his last two games, so does he still feel good about throwing the football?
“Absolutely," he said. "Absolutely, and the thing about it is a lot of times when people play the game they get fixated off of statistics, right? For me personally, I have played this game long enough to have played and had games where I’ve had 400 yards and lost. I’ve also had a lot yards and won. I’ve also had this past game, 69 yards and won. Or I’ve had 100 yards, 120 yards and lost. I don’t necessarily get fixated off that statistic.
"I have said it multiple times, I am really all about winning and yeah, were there some passes I wish I could have had back? Absolutely. But when you’re throwing the ball efficiently or you’re throwing the ball with the workload not as strenuous as it is, it only can revert to the winning formula. We’re running the ball pretty good, pretty solid and we’re going to need more of that here. Whatever is asked of me from Josh [McDaniels], Bill [Belichick] and Jedd [Fisch] and those guys, I am all for it.
"You’re not going to hear me complaining about winning and if it comes to that then I will be readily available to throw the football. Going back and looking at the game, there were times and opportunities where we missed out on, and I mean me personally with inaccuracy or this that and the third. I am not here to complain or bicker about that by no means, but it is what it is. We got the most important statistic and that is winning football and I would not complain about that.”
Newton and the Patriots will take on the Rams Thursday night.