Ex-NFL QB Fires Ruthless Shot At Former Patriot Bill Belichick

Trent Dilfer Blasts Belichick's Treatment of Cam Newton

Former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer unloaded a critical barrage against New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on Wednesday. Dilfer took aim at Belichick's handling of quarterback Cam Newton, who was released by the Patriots after one season.

Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, questioned Belichick's decision to sign Newton in the first place, suggesting that the coach had no intention of giving the veteran quarterback a fair shot.

“Belichick knew what he was getting when he signed Cam Newton,” Dilfer said on ESPN’s “Get Up!”. “He knew he was getting a guy who's been injured, who's not as mobile as he used to be. And he knew he was getting a guy who's not going to be able to do the things that Tom Brady did.”

Dilfer went on to criticize Belichick for not giving Newton enough time to adjust to the Patriots' system. He pointed out that Newton was constantly benched and replaced by rookie Mac Jones during the 2020 season.

“Belichick never gave Cam Newton a chance,” Dilfer said. “He never gave him the opportunity to get comfortable in the offense. He never gave him the chance to build chemistry with his teammates.

Dilfer's criticism of Belichick is the latest in a growing chorus of voices questioning the coach's treatment of Newton. Many observers have accused Belichick of being dismissive of Newton and not giving him the respect he deserves.

Belichick's History of Discarding Quarterbacks

Belichick has a history of discarding quarterbacks who no longer fit his system. In 2000, he released Drew Bledsoe after the quarterback led the Patriots to the Super Bowl the previous year.

Belichick also benched Matt Cassel in favor of Tom Brady in 2001. Brady went on to lead the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories.

Some observers believe that Belichick's willingness to discard quarterbacks is a sign of his ruthlessness. Others argue that it is simply a matter of putting the team's success ahead of individual players' feelings.

Newton's Future Uncertain

Newton's future in the NFL is uncertain. He is 32 years old and has been injured in recent seasons.

It is possible that Newton will sign with another team and try to resurrect his career. He could also decide to retire and focus on his family.

Whatever Newton decides to do, he will leave the Patriots with a legacy of being a talented quarterback who was never given a fair shot.