In 49ers’ blowout win, Pats bench Cam Newton, and his replacement trips over himself

The San Francisco 49ers had no trouble beating the New England Patriots on Sunday, winning by a final score of 33-6. It was the Patriots’ worst home loss under coach Bill Belichick.

Once the game was out of reach, it became a bit of a snoozer. The lone bit of intrigue in the second half involved the Pats’ quarterbacks, Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham.

Newton is a former MVP who’s dealt with a series of debilitating injuries but is getting a shot at redemption this year. He looked great in Weeks 1 and 2, but has struggled since. Sunday’s performance was his worst yet: 9-of-15 passing, 98 yards, and three interceptions. After that third turnover, Belichick waved the white flag and yanked Newton for backup Jarrett Stidham, a 2019 fourth-round pick who Patriots fans have been obsessed with despite a much-to-be-desired sample size.

Sure enough, in his latest moment to shine, Stidham… literally tripped over himself.

In garbage time, Stidham went 6-for-10, throwing for 64 yards and an interception. His passer rating was technically lower than Newton’s (39.7 to 39.2). Credit is owed to San Francisco’s defense, which also only allowed 94 rushing yards on the day, but the Patriots’ quarterback situation looks like a mess regardless of their opponent.