Bill Belicek is an historian and he covet's Cam's NFL experience. He will attempt to transition Cam into a knowledgeable bus driver capable of managing a controlled offense, getting the ball in the hands of the playmakers while limiting mistakes.
In this way, Belicek can use his defense to control the tempo of the game, a defense that was ranked #1 in both yardage and points allowed.
Belicek's strategy has precedence.
Jim Plunkett, Doug Williams, John Elway, and Trent Dilfer were all high 1st round draft picks who, late in career, were willing to put their egos on the shelf and play within the system.
Their skills, once considered elite had begun detiorating. However, what they lost was replaced by seasons of valuable experience.
They used this experience to their benefit and that of their teams to win championships.
Like Cam, Plunkett and Elway were drafted #1 overall. Only Elway won championships with his original team. He did this in the last two seasons of a 15 season career.
Plunkett was drafted by the Patriots and considered a bust. After 5 seasons with them and 2 more with the 49ers he found a home with the Raiders where he helped them wim two Super Bowls.
Doug Williams, a 1st round pick with the new Tampa Bay franchise, helped them to their first winning seasons after going 2-26 the previous two. After a contract dispute he joined the USFL and played until it's demise. He then joined the Commanders as a backup and took over after the injury to Jay Schraeder.
Williams's finest moment came in the Super Bowl where he threw 4 TD's.....all in the same quarter.
Trent Dilfer's job was more simple than the rest. Don't make mistakes and rely on one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.
Cam is going to be the starter. The question is will he be mature enough to accept his role within the team. If Belicek can convince Cam to suppress his ego then he will make the Patriots the stealth contenders they always seemed to be in the past.
