Cam Newton said he is jeopardising the New England Patriots after his woes continued in a 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
Patriots quarterback Newton fumbled late as it cost New England the chance at a game-tying field goal and possibly a chance to win away to the Bills on Sunday.
Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer stripped Newton of the ball with 31 seconds remaining – the Patriots falling to 2-5 for the season following a fourth consecutive defeat.
While it was Newton's only turnover, it came after the former MVP threw three interceptions and was withdrawn in a blow-out loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.
Newton, who joined the Patriots on a one-year deal following his Carolina Panthers exit to replace legendary QB Tom Brady, said: "I gotta protect the ball better. I know that has just been kind of like a broken record of late.
"I am still jeopardising this team's success because of my lacklustre performance of protecting the football. Coach [Bill Belichick] trusts me with the ball in his hand and I wouldn't want it any other way. I just have to do a better job protecting it.
"It's extremely frustrating, but this league is not what have you done for us, but what have you done lately? I understand this is a production-based league."
Newton was 15-of-25 for 174 yards and no touchdowns, while he rushed for one TD in Buffalo.
The three-time Pro Bowler has tallied 103 completions from 156 attempts for 1,143 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.
The Bills snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Patriots, dating back to October 2016, as AFC East leaders Buffalo improved to 6-2, three and a half games clear of slumping New England.
"That situation, game on the line, I'm dominantly right-handed. Prior to me putting the ball in my left hand, which is my weakest arm, I just felt more comfortable with the ball in my right hand," Newton continued. "I usually always change it around with my right hand, just for comfort.
"Coach preaches each and every day to protect the football, play smart football. I'm converting to it. Outside of this last play, I think that is what makes it so frustrating, being that you are trying extremely hard. When you don't get the results you want, then what do you do?"