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Norv Turner gave Cam Newton a strong recommendation to Bill Belichick

Norv Turner called the Panthers offense with Cam Newton for two years. It was enough for him to recomment the QB to Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 18: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

By 98.5 The Sports Hub Staff

If anyone knows what it's been like to work closely with Cam Newton in recent years, it's Norv Turner. And that's why Bill Belichick gave Turner a call and got a "strong recommendation," according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.

Turner served as the Panthers' offensive coordinator in 2018 and 2019 with Newton as the starting quarterback. Newton only played two games in 2019 before a Lisfranc injury derailed his season, but in 2018 he put together one of his most productive seasons under Turner. He completed 67.9 percent of his passes and averaged 4.8 yards per carry on the ground, compiling 28 combined passing and rushing touchdowns.

That was enough for Turner to strongly recommend Newton to Belichick.

"My whole deal is, when Cam was healthy, and we were there with him [in 2018], we were 6–2,” Turner said. “Just look at the tape—played his ass off. His issue was more health than anything else, and from what I understand, I don’t think these are health issues that he can’t overcome. He’s had the time off now. I think he’ll be great."

Cam Newton thrived in the 2018 season under Norv Turner. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton thrived in the 2018 season under Norv Turner. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

Newton has dealt with major surgery in each of the past three offseasons. He underwent shoulder surgery in 2017 and 2018 before foot surgery after the 2019 season.

Turner is confident that Newton's marriage with Belichick in New England will be mutually beneficial.

"I think it’ll be really good for Cam," said Turner. "And I think it’ll be good for the Patriots."

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Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.