Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills should still be the favorites to win the AFC East in 2020
With Cam Newton signed, sealed and delivered to the New England Patriots, fans in Boston are already dreaming of another trip to the postseason and potentially to the Super Bowl. With all due respect to Newton, a former NFL MVP, are those fans kidding?
While there’s plenty of excitement surrounding Newton and his move to the AFC East, let’s not pretend like the Pats are immediately the favorites to once again bring home the division title. You simply can’t just write off the Buffalo Bills, folks.
FOX Sports radio host Colin Cowherd thinks Newton will help the Patriots win nine games and finish behind the Bills in the AFC East that suddenly could be a compelling race.
“Sports are fun if you win… Nobody in New England is going to have fun winning 9 games and finishing second to the Buffalo Bills.”@ColinCowherd reacts to comments from Randy Moss that Patriots offense will have more fun with Cam Newton: pic.twitter.com/9xUHTMlUsI
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) July 1, 2020
Injury concerns will surround Cam Newton throughout the season in New England
Are we forgetting that the Bills had an unreal campaign in 2019, and are only going to get better on offense after trading for stud receiver Stefon Diggs? Last fall, Buffalo shocked plenty of NFL fans, going 10-6 and earning a Wild Card spot. The Pats finished 12-4, of course, leading to their AFC East crown.
However, just because Newton is in town, that doesn’t mean New England is going to be as electric as we’re used to seeing. The big question mark surrounding Newton is if he’ll be able to stay healthy for a full season, something he hasn’t been able to accomplish since 2017.
There’s a reason the Pats only signed him to a one-year contract. With all of his injury concerns, there’s a worry he could get banged up again. If that’s the case and the Pats need to turn to presumed No. 2 quarterback Jarrett Stidham, there’s just no way New England will cruise to an AFC East title.
Regardless of who’s the starter for the Patriots, Buffalo only got stronger this offseason and is poised to send a strong message to the rest of the AFC this campaign. While Pats nation might be riding high right now with the Newton signing, Josh Allen, Devin Singletary, Diggs and others will be ready to silence them in the coming months.