Bill Belichick reportedly ‘nothing but praise’ about Cam Newton

February 28, 2021 | 10:08 am

Cam Newton’s return to the Patriots train has gained momentum in recent weeks, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has “done nothing but rave about Newton” and his efforts in 2020 this offseason, The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin reported, citing multiple sources who spoke to Belichick this offseason. Additionally, those sources told Volin they wouldn’t be surprised if Newton returned to New England next season.

Volin’s report comes days after Newton said he would be ready to return to the Patriots in a podcast interview.

“Yeah, dammit yeah,” Newton said when asked if he would return to New England on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast. “I’m tired of changing, my brother. I’m coming to a point in my career where I know a lot more than I knew last year.

Newton added “There’s always a chance for anything” during his potential return to the Patriots.

Belichick’s praise for Newton is consistent with how the two have spoken to each other since the start of the 2020 season. The head coach has defended Newton on several occasions and has stayed with him as a starter despite his struggles at the end of the season. the season. Ahead of the last game of the season, Belichick also said he wished he and Newton “had more time together”.

On the other hand, Newton praised Belichick’s footballing spirit in press conferences throughout the season. He also called Belichick “the most misunderstood person of all sports” during his recent podcast interview.

“He dope like s…. He dope like … “, Newton says of Belichick,” Like, he’s a cool guy. He understands the game. He’s a game historian. Just for you to sit down and chat with him. It’s like, “Shit”. He comes home and he has a movie that teaches the game.

Volin added in his report that Belichick is concerned about Newton’s arm strength. Newton has had multiple surgeries on this shoulder since 2017 and at the end of last season his arm was unreliable. Newton threw for less than 100 yards in three of the last six games of the season and threw for just 119 yards in another game during that period.

In addition to a possible Newton return, Brian Hoyer could also return to the Patriots, according to Volin. Hoyer returned to New England in 2020, starting with the Week 4 loss to the Chiefs due to Newton’s positive COVID-19 test. Hoyer was taken out in the third quarter of that game and fell under Jarrett Stidham on the depths board, not playing in a game for the remainder of the season.

Volin added that “everyone expects the Patriots to draft a quarterback in the early rounds.”