Cam Newton Makes Admission About His Playing Style This Season
Cam Newton is one of the most dangerous runners the NFL has seen at the quarterback position. At 6-foot-5 and over 240 pounds, few, if any, quarterbacks have had his pure raw power as a rusher.
Without much in the way of receiving talent on the roster last season, the New England Patriots relied a lot on Newton’s legs. He ran the ball 137 times—just two carries short of his career high— for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Newton wasn’t particularly efficient on the ground given all that volume, averaging just 4.3 yards per rush. That was the second lowest mark of his career, not counting 2019 when he barely played due to injury. At 32 years old, he admits that he’s starting to feel the brunt of all the big shots he takes when he tucks and runs, too.
He recently appeared on the cover of the July/August edition of Cigar Aficionado, and discussed where things stand for him with the Patriots. Among the notable quotes: “You won’t see me being a battering ram like I once was.”
In an interview with Cigar Aficionado, Cam Newton (on the cover) said of his future in football, "You won’t see me being a battering ram like I once was.” The #Patriots QB had 137 carries last year for 592 yards. His 4.8 yards per carry was the 2nd lowest of his career.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 27, 2021
Michael Giardi of NFL Network asked Cam about that quote, and he opened up about things quite a bit. “I’m getting older,” he said. “You know, you just have to move a little differently… Because a nick and a bruise where I’m at, it sticks a little longer than just a day and then going about your business.”
Asked Cam Newton about his quote to Cigar Aficionado where he said won't be a "battering ram" like he once was. Cam acknowledged that at 32 years of age, he's got to be smarter when he tucks and runs. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/uFbxNf4JBB
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) July 30, 2021
That’s certainly a fair point. Most teams that draft dual-threat quarterbacks try to shift them to be more pass-first as the years wear on, though it is tough when someone is as effective on the ground as Cam Newton has been throughout his career, especially near the goal line.
Newton is expected to start for the Patriots again this year, ahead of rookie quarterback Mac Jones, who the team selected in the first round. He should have more weapons to work with in the passing game, which helps.
The team added veteran wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor as well as tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, two of the most sought-after players at that position this offseason.
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