New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was clearly sad to see Cam Newton go. While Newton’s departure is shrouded in mystery (no one seems to know why, exactly, Bill Belichick cut the quarterback), McDaniels had kind words for Newton, whose tenure in New England meant a challenge for the organization and the quarterback.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a player,” McDaniels said Wednesday. “Great respect for him as a human being, as a person. And he knows how I feel about him. And the time we were able to spend together, I think he did everything he could to ask him to try to help us win and help us prepare this year for improvement. And that’s why I’m so grateful and grateful for all the things he did, all the work he did. You know and we hope you build a relationship that will last far beyond football. And I think that’s the case here. “
Newton always praised McDaniels during his time working together. That said, it was one of Newton’s worst statistical seasons, with the quarterback throwing 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 12 quick touchdowns. New England finished the season 7-9 and lost the playoffs.
Even with the Patriots signing Newton for a one-year deal, the team chose to start Mac Jones, the 15th overall pick in 2021.
“I think it was very competitive, I mean you just alluded to it. Last year I really had no experience in this system and he did some of the things we asked our quarterbacks and we tried every day to move forward on that and he did, “McDaniels said.” He improved and he advanced. and it was very competitive to the end. So these decisions are not easy. “