With the 22-12 loss to the Dolphins, the Patriots are 6-8 on the year and are officially eliminated from the playoffs.
Cam Newton was brought in to replace Tom Brady and at least for this year, was not able to keep the sustained level of success going, as it was the first time the Patriots have missed the postseason since 2008.
"It's a tough loss," he said. "It's just unfortunate. It's unfortunate. But, no need to dwell on the obvious. There's a lot of good things that happened in the game. We just didn't do enough and that is what it comes down to."
Newton added: "Obviously it's frustrating. But like I said, I don't want to dwell on what's the obvious. the whole season has kind of been the tale of coming up just a tad bit short. Call it however you want to do. We still got guys that [are] new to this system. We still got guys that [are] young. We still got guys that just don't get it and we still got guys that are battling their tails off each and every week. We just got to keep building on the optimism of what we can become and move from there."
The "guys that just don't get it" line was interesting and is unclear who/what he's referring to.
Now that the Patriots are eliminated from the playoffs, does he expect to start the last two games?
"I don't know, man," he said. "Listen, I'm just going to keep doing what I am asked to do, and for me, I just got to keep getting better, keep doing what's asked of me and go over and beyond and try to learn the system each and every week. I know we're still in the latter part of the season, but still trying to learn as much as possible."
Many believe second-year player Jarrett Stidham should start against the Bills and Jets, but it's unclear how things will play out.
Bill Belichick was not asked about the QB situation after the game.
