Belichick backs Newton after benching vs. Bills: He 'wasn't the problem'

Cam Newton's struggles with the New England Patriots continue.

The Patriots replaced Newton with Jarrett Stidham in the third quarter of Monday's 38-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Newton left the game with the Patriots trailing 31-9. He completed five of 10 passes for 34 yards and rushed for 24 yards and one touchdown before being sidelined.

However, head coach Bill Belichick didn't blame Newton for the Patriots' third consecutive defeat.

"Cam did a good job for us. I mean, that wasn't the problem," Belichick said postgame, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "We weren't very competitive in the game."

"Protection. Dropped balls. Lack of good execution. We just didn't execute the passing game well and they played well defensively," Belichick added, per Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Newton's 34 passing yards are the fewest for a Patriots starting quarterback since Scott Secules threw for 16 in 1993.

Newton has struggled throughout his first season with New England. The 2015 MVP entered Week 16 with five touchdown passes, 11 rushing scores, 10 interceptions, and a 6-7 record as a starter.

Stidham, meanwhile, entered Monday's contest completing 54.5% of his throws for two touchdowns and three interceptions over four appearances this season. He went 4-for-11 passing for 44 yards against the Bills.

With the loss to Buffalo, New England has been swept by its division rival for the first time since 1999. The defeat also marks Belichick's worst home loss with the Patriots.