Patriots rally to beat Jets
Newton accounts for 4 TDS, ends season with win
Cam Newton saved his best performance this season for what was likely his final game with the New England Patriots.
Newton threw three touchdown passes and caught another, and the Patriots rallied to beat the New York Jets 28-14 on Sunday.
The win snapped a three-game skid for New England (7-9), which earned its 10th straight win over the Jets but won’t be playing in the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.
While it won’t erase the disappointment of New England missing the playoffs, it was a nice finish for Newton, who entered the season with the weighty task of succeeding Tom Brady following his departure to Tampa Bay.
Newton was 21-of-30 for 242 yards, his first game with multiple passing touchdowns this season. He also ran 11 times for 79 yards. Newton played under a one-year deal this season. He said he hasn’t contemplated where he goes from here.
“I have my desires,” he said. “I know where my heart’s at. I know the things of who I am. But as far as that, I can’t really speak on that right now. But just my whole time in New England has just been a blessing. Just see how it goes and go from there.”
Coach Bill Belichick said after a disappointing stretch he was proud that his team bounced back.
“It was good to end a disappointing season on a positive note,” he said.
Belichick said he wasn’t prepared to address Newton’s future.
New England trailed 14-7 early in the third, but outscored the Jets 21-0 the rest of the way.
Sam Darnold, whose future with the Jets is also uncertain, was 23-of-34 for 266 yards, a touchdown and two second-half interceptions. He said he wasn’t thinking about his future beyond Sunday.
“I’m not going to do that right now,” Darnold said. “Whether I stay, whether I leave — whatever happens, I’ll deal with it when it comes.”
New York’s 2-14 finish is the second-worst mark in franchise history.