Bernd Becker 
Cam Newton has been under fire for a post he made on Instagram, which many people have interpreted as him saying that he was “loyal” to the Panthers. The NFL star denies this, and instead says that his post was about loyalty in general.
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton posted an Instagram post the day after the New England Patriots beat the Washington Football Team 22-13 in the first preseason game of the year. Newton, who is competing for the starting position with rookie Mac Jones, said, “I’m far from flawless…. but loyalty, I deserve it.”
Many people think the tweet was about his rivalry with Jones, who completed 13 of 19 passes on his professional debut. Newton completed four of his seven passes for 47 yards. Newton was questioned about the post during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, and he clarified a few things.
Cam Newton has yet to be informed that he will start for the Patriots in Week 1.
On August 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots looks to pass during the first half against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. | Getty Images/Kathryn Riley
After nine years with the Carolina Panthers, Newton joined the Patriots last season. He had the difficult job of stepping in for Tom Brady, who left the Patriots after 20 seasons to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots finished 7-9 under Newton, their first losing season since 2000.
The Patriots’ offensive line has been overhauled, with experienced receivers and tight ends being added. In April’s draft, Bill Belichick selected Alabama quarterback Jones in the first round. Newton and Jones have been fighting it out throughout camp, but Belichick hasn’t said which quarterback would start the first game.
Newton has been getting first-team repetitions throughout camp and is the frontrunner to start when the Patriots face the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12. Newton said on Monday that he is not concerned about Week 1 yet.
According to ESPN, he stated, “I know such things like that, I can’t worry about.” “I don’t care who starts every day because I don’t care who starts every day. I’m mainly concerned about making sure I’m putting out the finest product possible for myself. I’m sure Mac is feeling the same way, and I’m sure Brian (Hoyer) is feeling the same way, as well as everyone else, as we work our way through each position. We have a lot to worry about ahead to Week 1 in terms of Week 1. That’s where I’m concentrating right now.”
On Monday, Cam Newton responded to his Instagram post.
Newton played two series against the Washington Football Team in the preseason game. He completed four of his seven passes for 49 yards. A field goal was scored on one of his drives.
After Newton, Jones entered the game and played five series. He was greeted with a standing ovation as he ran onto the field. He seemed to be in good shape, as he completed all but six of his 19 passing attempts.
The next day, Newton posted a black-and-white picture of himself on Instagram with the comment, “I’m far from flawless…. but loyalty, I deserve it.” Although Newton never said that the post was about football, it might easily be interpreted as a statement about the quarterback competition. He addressed it on Monday, despite his astonishment that it came up.
According to WEEI, he added, “Having a close conversation with people, that’s simply the kind of vibe I’ve been on — as a parent, as a friend.” “In most instances, my Instagram goes deeper than football. I use my social media presence to grow as a person, and I don’t speak about football often. I try to keep my football posts to a minimum since, at the end of the day, I’m a human person. That wasn’t a football statement. It resembled a person more than anything else.
“For example, I’m a person who spends a lot of time away from my children, particularly throughout the school year. I’ve spent a lot of time away from my family, friends, and the people who know me best. That’s not to say I’m flawless, but that’s what I was implying. I’m not sure how someone could take that interpretation so far, but it has nothing to do with football.”
Mac Jones will continue to put pressure on Newton.
Newton is expected to start Week 1, but if things don’t go well early on, he’ll likely be benched. Jones acknowledged that he still has work to do and that starting the opener isn’t his first priority.
According to ESPN, he stated, “Honestly, I’ve always just been fortunate to be a member of a team.” “You never know when it will be your turn. I’m simply eager to go back to work. I obviously have a lot of work ahead of me. That is unmistakable. But I’m going to keep working every day, and everything will fall into place as it should.”
Jones was selected 15th overall in the NFL Draft in 2021. He was the fifth quarterback picked in the draft. After his performance against Washington, Jones chastised himself.
Jones said, “I believe I could really slow down a little bit and just take it all in and keep to my principles.” “I didn’t feel out of place or anything like that… However, I felt like I missed a lot of opportunities on the field. You have to accept it for what it’s worth and say to the men, ‘My bad,’ and go on.”
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