It was the worst home game loss under Bill Belichick as Cam Newton threw three interceptions. Life without Tom Brady is starting to hit the Patriots smack in the face. Noticeably uncomfortable with the ball and sloppiness ultimately led to their 33-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. This is the Pat’s first three-game losing streak since 2002.
It’s their third straight game without a touchdown, and Newton is the first player with no touchdown passes and interceptions in back-to-back games since Drew Bledsoe. He was pulled in the 4th quarter and replaced with Jarrett Stidham with 13:20 remaining. Though, this isn’t the first time Stidham has had to step in under pressure. He stepped in for Brian Hoyer in their week 4 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in which he had two picks and a touchdown. Belichick made it clear that Newton will remain the starter, and he decided to put Stidham in so he could gain more practice.
On Boston sports radio Monday morning, Newton said he’s not scared or nervous but knows if he doesn’t improve, there will be a permanent change. He also noted it has nothing to do with anything Covid-19 related, he just has to play better.
There has been no explosive ability in this offense as Cam was 9-of-15 for only 98 yards. On NBC’s Sunday Night Football pregame show, Belichick stated, “We were clearly out-coached, out-played, out-everything.” He noted, “We’re just not performing at a good level at all right now in any area.”
The Patriots now find themselves sitting in third in the AFC East standings behind the Buffalo Bills (5-2) and the Miami Dolphins (3-3). This is not where the Patriots imagined themselves to be, and the last time they were more than two games behind in the division was in 2000. Looking ahead to week 8, the Pats will take on the Bills, and for the first time in five years, the Bills are favored in this matchup. Since 2000, the Bills have only managed 5 wins against the Patriots, but things are looking a little different this year. That matchup is scheduled for this Sunday at noon CST.
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