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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Isaiah Houde

Cam Newton’s former teammate questions his ability to take criticism from Bill Belichick

Cam Newton’s fit with the New England Patriots has been in question since he signed in June.

Two things that were asked most frequently were regarding his health and his ability to play under Bill Belichick. Newton’s health doesn’t appear to be an issue and time will tell if he can handle an NFL game. His fit with Belichick is still unknown and will be interesting to keep an eye on.

The Patriots run a military-like system and its been overwhelming for many players over the years. Belichick expects players to conceal information during press conferences and it’s strictly business when it comes to football activities. Newton’s former teammate, Kyle Love, spent three years with the Patriots and he has a feeling the match won’t work.

“Being a professional in New England is different from being a professional in Carolina. It’s a whole different ballgame,” Love said to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. “Bill wants things run a certain way, wants things practiced a certain way and said a certain way in the classroom and in the media. New England is not for everybody. Every player does not fit will there physically or mentally.”

“This is just my opinion, but I don’t feel like Cam can take the pressure of coaches talking down about his play. If he had a bad game in Carolina, the coaching staff wouldn’t say much to him because they may have felt he could be a little frail about it or maybe pout,” he said. “They never really corrected to the point Bill used to correct Tom.”

Love has support for Newton and wants him to succeed, but it’s difficult to imagine he’ll mesh with Belichick.

“My fear is, can Cam fit in their box? Because I want Cam to win. I want Cam to be successful. I want to see him win games and even a championship, because I love that dude,” Love said. “I just hope he can do that within the guidelines of what Bill wants.”

 

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