A failed connection between Cam Newton and N’Keal Harry ended with the return of the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon.
Facing the fourth and 10 yard 24 denver Broncos with 63 seconds to play, Newton’s pass moved away from Harry and was incomplete, allowing Denver to close a wonderful 18-12 victory at Gillette Stadium.
Newton explained his procedure that invites reflection in this unfortunate final game in his post-match videoconference. The wide pass, he said, was intentional.
“We didn’t execute the way we were looking, and that’s a lot,” the Patriots’ quarterback said. “It’s up to me. I knew I was going to get hit, so I tried to place a position to give him (the ball) so I could play on it. There’s an insider who’s stealing the field, so I still tried to give him a chance. So that’s what happened. “
The Broncos put tension in the game, sending their two deep internal bombardment. Denver coach Vic Fangio said it was the first time he had called this specific bombardment his 40-year training career.
With corner de’Vante Bausby applying a crowbar over Harry, Newton expected the young man to make his way to the band line, but Harry turned to midfield.
Once he did that, the piece was prepared.
“It’s not a communication problem, ” said Newton. ” I tried to anticipate where I was going to be. I dropped the ball before it broke in its original path. I knew I was going to get hit and I tried to give it a spin. “Opportunity.
On Sunday, another quiet day for Harry, who has controlled only five 12-goal receptions since his Week 2 getaway to Seattle. La the 2019 first-round pick ended without reception and scored only twice in 51 shots, one of which resulted in an interception.
Newton also struggled on his return from the reserve list /COVID-19, completing 17 of 25 passes for 157 yards without a touchdown, two selections and a loose ball (recovered through the Patriots). The QB had once trained since the positive check-up on October 3, which said it had “undoubtedly” affected its game.
“Lost time has shown,” said Newton, who has only spent 175 yards in 4 openings this season. “But I’ll have to be better and I’ll be better. “