Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots
Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots Getty Images | Billie Weis

KEY POINTS

  • Cam Newton returns to OTAs after a right hand injury. 
  • Bill Belichick still believes in Newton's quarterback skills
  • Newton is not worried about losing his starter status

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton has returned to organized team activities (OTAs) after missing some time due to a bone bruise in his right hand and he has never looked better.

Showing off a 20-yard floater to Kendrick Bourne during practice, Newton demonstrated signs of a more refined touch to his passing game.

The 2015 NFL MVP joined the Patriots on a one-year, $7.5 million deal to replace six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in June 2020.

Newton’s first couple of games with the Pats last year was a reminder of his stellar run with the Carolina Panthers.

Amassing six touchdowns, he looked like he could bring the franchise to the same heights that Brady once did.

Contracting COVID-19 would halt his growing familiarity with the offense, and as soon as he came back, he was a different man.

Newton finished the season with 20 touchdowns (eight passing, 12 rushing), 10 interceptions, and a career low of 177.1 yards per game.

It was clear that his game was thrown off and it looked as if he wouldn’t be back for a second season.

But Patriots head coach Bill Belichick still believes in the former MVP’s talent despite being 32 years old.

“I was thinking too much,” said Newton, referring to his first year with the Pats. “I was trying to be something when it just wasn’t enough hours in the day.”

Concerns about his role in New England arose when they selected Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, though he understands the situation.

Cam Newton New England Patriots
Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots throws a pass as Tarell Basham #93 and John Franklin-Myers #91 of the New York Jets defend during the first half at MetLife Stadium on November 09, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Elsa/Getty Images

“I support it 110% because you still have to do what’s right for the organization, for the long haul,” said Newton.

Despite the crowded quarterback competition in New England, Newton is still expected to come out on top of the depth chart, for now at least.

Belichick had this to say about Newton’s second stint with the Pats, “Cam [Newton]’s way ahead of where he was last year at this time. There’s no question about that.”

To Newton’s credit, he’s looking more confident in the Patriots system during OTAs and mandatory training camp.

The former Panther is looking to hold on to the lead quarterback role throughout the year in hopes of recapturing the magic that he had in Carolina.

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