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Belichick 'absolutely' sticking with Newton at QB despite benching vs. 49ers

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Quarterback Cam Newton hasn't delivered as expected for the New England Patriots recently but head coach Bill Belichick still trusts his field general.

Despite benching Newton for Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 33-6 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Belichick didn't hesitate to answer whether Newton will remain his starter moving forward.

"Yeah. Absolutely. Just wanted to give Stid a little experience," Belichick said postgame, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Newton completed just 9 of 15 pass attempts for 98 yards with three interceptions before he was sidelined with the Patriots trailing 33-6.

The 31-year-old entered Week 7 with a 2-2 record and had completed 68.1% of his pass attempts for 871 yards and two touchdowns against four interceptions. He also rushed for 225 yards and five scores.

The three-time Pro Bowler missed one game this season after testing positive for COVID-19. Veteran Brian Hoyer started in his place on the occasion.

Stidham entered Sunday with just 13 pass attempts, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The sophomore signal-caller made a relief appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.

The 24-year-old went 6-for-10 passing with 64 yards and one interception against the 49ers.

The Patriots selected the Auburn product in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.

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