Cam Newton writes off Patrick Mahomes in inaugural appearance on First Take
Cam Newton spent just a few years in the NFL during the Patrick Mahomes era. He didn't win much as he was near the end of his career but the former quarterback did reach new heights as the latest addition to the "First Take" team.
In his debut on Friday, one of Newton's first takes was to write off Kansas City's Super Bowl odds when asked if the Chiefs would make it.
"[0:37] No. And the only reason, is it's a little skeptical at that receiver position," Newton said. "I don't think they have enough talent as of yet to win a deep playoff push with the receivers that they do have."
The Chiefs are pursuing their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance and win. In 2022, they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles and beat the San Francisco 49ers last year.
However, the team has faced plenty of adversity at wide receiver. Rashee Rice appears to be out for the season due to injury. Hollywood Brown is set to return soon but he has yet to prove himself in a Kansas City Chiefs uniform.
Travis Kelce has ticked up in recent weeks but he alone hasn't been able to get the tide turned on offense like in past years. At running back, the team has been forced into the backup pool with Isiah Pacheco battling an injury.
Did Cam Newton ever face Patrick Mahomes?
Cam Newton and Patrick Mahomes shared the league for three seasons but they did not share the field in the only opportunity Newton had to face him. In Newton's only New England Patriots regular season run, his team played against the Chiefs in Week 4.
However, as the season took place in 2020, COVID-19 was a common reason for random absences. Newton contracted the virus and missed the showdown entirely. In his absence, the Patriots lost to Mahomes and the Chiefs 26-10.
Since then, Newton went on to have a brief stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and then called it a career. Today, he works in the media, commenting on Mahomes' days in the league. Will Newton be forced to react to a third-straight Mahomes Super Bowl appearance?