For longtime offensive coordinator Norv Turner, it was so obvious.
As the last guy to call for Cam Newton as he neared health, the veteran assistant considered New England to be the ideal person, and he said so to coach Bill Belichick.
Turner told Albert Breer of SI.com that he spoke to Newton about Belichick earlier this offseason, and gave his full support.
“All my agreement is, when Cam was healthy, and we were there with him [in 2018], we were 6-2, “said Turner. “Just look at the tape – he played his ass. His problem was more health than anything else, and from what I understand, I don’t think these are health problems he can’t overcome. He now has free time. I think it will be great. “
These health problems are still important. A foot problem disappeared last season, and there is a clear difference to Newton in 2018 before and after a game against the Steelers, when he was hit in the shoulder and had to be dealt with the rest of the year .
In those first eight games, Turner seemed to have brought him back to his 2015 MVP level. Newton finished 177 of 263 for 1,893 yards, with 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also had four touchdowns in those first eight games, while Turner found a clever mix of Newton and Christian McCaffrey, and Newton played more effectively than before.
It suggested to him that it made sense to place Newton with a known coach to put players in positions where they could flourish.
“I think it will be really good for Cam,” said Turner. “And I think it will be good for the Patriots.”
And if anyone can find out, it would be Turner.
