Patriots bench Cam Newton during blowout loss to the 49ers

This is a less-than-ideal scenario for the Patriots. They were down 33-6 early in the third quarter and being outgained, 440-140, when Newton was pulled from the game.

He’s now thrown zero touchdowns and five interceptions in two outings since returning from COVID-19. While we’re not going to correlate his battle with the virus with on-field struggles, it might suggest something is up.

Jarrett Stidham replaced Newton under center. The Patriots have veteran Brian Hoyer as another option. They’ve both seen action this season. And it has not gone swimmingly.

• Jarrett Stidham: 38.5 percent completion, 60 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions
• Brian Hoyer: 62.5 percent completion, 130 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, one lost fumble

Stidham ultimately threw an interception on his first possession after replacing Newton under center. All said this season, Patriots quarterbacks have combined for three passing touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Someone ask Bill Belichick whether he misses a man by the name of Tom Brady.

As for the Patriots, they are now 2-4 on the season. That’s the first time they’ve had such a bad mark since all the way back in 2000, Belichick’s first season as the Patriots’ head coach. Coincidentally, that was also Brady’s rookie season.

Something is broken in New England right now. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Newton is going to be the man to fix it. We’ll see what happens Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills in a game the Patriots need in order to even remain remotely alive in the AFC East race. Right now, it’s not looking great.