Belichick backs Newton after blowout loss to Rams: 'Cam's our QB'

The New England Patriots pulled Cam Newton in favor of Jarrett Stidham late in Thursday night's 24-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Stidham took over for Newton with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Patriots trailing by 21 points.

Newton completed nine of 16 passes for 119 yards and an interception but was also sacked four times.

Since the veteran passer entered the game dealing with an abdominal injury, the benching was likely part performance-based and partly to save him from further damage.

Head coach Bill Belichick confirmed as much following the game, telling reporters "Cam's our quarterback" moving forward, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe.

Thursday marked Newton's third consecutive poor passing day. The Patriots blew out the Los Angeles Chargers 45-0 last Sunday, but the former league MVP had just 69 passing yards and a touchdown pass. The 31-year-old completed nine of 18 passes for 84 yards and two interceptions in a narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals the previous week.

Stidham finished the night completing five of seven passes for 27 yards and was sacked twice.

The Patriots now have nine days to rest before visiting the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 20.

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