Patriots' Newton: 'Losing is not acceptable' here

The New England Patriots are in the middle of a three-game slide, and Cam Newton says losing has no place in his team's culture.

"Losing is not acceptable in this locker room, in this county, in this state, in this area, in this region. So Cameron Newton, you need to pick your expletive up. That's what I've learned," the quarterback said Thursday.

Since starting the season 2-1, the Patriots have gone on a very rare losing streak, dropping three straight games for the first time since 2002. Newton's poor play has contributed to his club's recent lack of success.

The signal-caller threw for less than 100 yards and was picked off three times during Sunday's 33-6 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jarrett Stidham replaced Newton late in the contest, and the veteran seemed well aware that his job could be at risk if his play doesn't improve.

"... The first thing I said to myself coming home, I said, 'You keep playing games like that, bro, and it's going to be a permanent change,'" Newton told Ryan Hannable of WEEI Radio.

The Patriots have made the playoffs every season since 2009, but that streak could be in serious jeopardy. New England currently sits at 2-4 and in third place in the AFC East.