Cam Newton hard on himself entering Week 7: ' I just haven’t been good'

The New England Patriots dropped to 2-3 on the season with an 18-12 loss to the Denver Broncos last week. It's been a while since New England has had a losing record and, according to Cam Newton, he needs to be better as the season progresses. 

Newton was particularly hard on himself during a Thursday video conference, according to WEEI's Ryan Hannable: 

“I just haven’t been — I just haven’t been good," Newton said. "I haven’t matched enough good plays together for my liking, and that is what it comes down to. When I mean good plays, I mean right reads, I mean ball positioning, I mean making guys miss, just the whole gamut of how I play. I know what I am capable of, and my standard is extremely high and I haven’t been meeting it — my personal standard. That’s how I feel.”

Newton put up tremendous passing numbers during Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 30-of-44 passes for 397 yards and one touchdown. However, he hasn't been able to replicate that performance since. In his last two games, Newton has thrown for 162 and 157 yards, tossing three interceptions in that span. 

The 31-year-old has been more successful on the ground, rushing for 225 yards and five touchdowns. If the Patriots want to avoid dropping further in the standings, Newton's arm will have to be much better against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.