If you were to read this headline 6 months ago, You would call me crazy. Any Patriot fan wouldn’t even click the article calling it bogus. Tom Brady decided to take his talents to Tampa Bay to play for the Buccaneers organization, capping off a 20 year run in New England. After this news, many fans thought we were doomed, and could never replace the seasoned quarterback. That changed when news broke in Late join that the Patriots were bringing in former MVP QB Cam Newton. Newton Hadn’t played a game in over a year and many were skeptical how his attitude and play style would fit into a strict system. With Bill Belicheck as head coach, many didn’t even think he would start week 1.
As Training camp begun in August, Newton began to turn heads within the organization and from the media. Reports were coming out daily after practices saying Newton looked sharp, but more importantly was poised and bringing the team together. Newton went on to win the Starting Quarterback job and geared up for Miami in week 1. That game happened yesterday Sunday September 14. The Patriots won the season opener 21-11 and the team looked promising. The defense didn’t miss a beat from last year as they forced 3 interceptions and allowed just 11 points. With Newton under center, The offense looked different for sure since Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniel’s could bust out fancy plays and formation with a new QB. With Newton standing at 6’5”, 245 pounds, he is just as elite on his feet as he is throwing the ball. He ended the game 15-19 completions, 155 passing yards, and a Quarterback rating of 109.3. On the ground, he totaled 75 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Not only did Newton thrive in the running game, his presence lead to 5 other Patriot players rushing for over 20 yards.
This should not shock anyone that Newton carried the ball this often and this effective since he is such a big and elusive runner. With one of the best offensive lines in football when healthy and a mastermind calling the plays, Newton and the Patriots are a match made in heaven. This is why New England is better off with Newton over Brady this season. When Brady was behind center, he could do amazing things throwing the football, but once the pressure came he would throw it away. Now when the pressure comes, Newton has the physical ability to take off and avoid the rush and potentially gain solid yard every play.
The biggest and most surprising reason why The Pats will be stronger with Cam this year is the attitude shift. Don’t get me wrong, Tom Brady is the best player to ever play the game, and also the fiercest competitor. However, after 20 years in the same organization, it was time for change on both sides. Tom and Bill began to feud under the radar beginning in 2015 when Bill wanted to keep Jimmy Garapalo instead of Brady. Brady of course didn’t like the fact he almost was replaced for a second year player. Owner Robert Kraft made the final decision to Keep Brady around. You could just tell in the final years, Brady and Belichick were not seeing eye to eye including things like play calling and money towards his contract. Reports even came out this past week that current Patriot players were tired of Brady’s negative demeanor and needed a new look. They got their wish with Newton and it sure seems to be clicking after week 1. Bill has never been so vocal while praising a player as he does Newton, and it’s only been just over a month since they’ve been working together. The way this team is built and the charisma Cam has brought in, The Patriots are looking to roll to Super Bowl victroy number 7.
Citation: “Cam Newton Stats, News, Bio.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/13994/cam-newton.
