Cam Newton Has Gone Above and Beyond Patriots’ Lofty Expectations
It has been nothing short than an impressive start to the 2020 season for Cam Newton with the New England Patriots. Newton has helped generate tremendous buzz around the franchise centered on his performance. However, there is another facet that has the Patriots quite impressed.
Cam Newton’s strong start shatters initial uncertainty
When the Patriots elected to bring aboard Cam Newton, there wasn’t any clarity about how things would pan out.
The offensive scheme had to adjust almost entirely away from what the franchise ran with Tom Brady under center for the past two decades. Newton was also coming off back-to-back seasons that were prematurely ended due to injury. The 31-year-old has quickly silenced those concerns behind his strong play through the first three games this season.
Newton has completed 68.1% of his passes for 714 yards with two touchdowns while holding an 89.7 passer rating. He has also tallied 149 rushing yards with four rushing touchdowns. Newton has demonstrated tremendous comfort in commanding the offense, but it’s another aspect that has blown away the Patriots.
The Patriots are impressed by Cam Newton’s humility
Cam Newton’s play under center has been a significant reason for the Patriots’ early-season success.
Newton has generated a tremendous amount of buzz around the franchise with the potential to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. Beyond that, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel has voiced that he’s been quite impressed by the 31-year-old’s humility, according to Zach Cox of NESN.com.
“I have been super impressed with his humility. This guy has accomplished a lot in his career. Being 10 years in the league and doing all the things he has done, coming here and having no familiarity with our coaching style, our system, or the way we do things, I have been incredibly impressed with the way he’s embraced it, looks forward to it, really wants to be coached, wants to be great, wants to improve and is a great example for a lot of our younger players.”
The three-time Pro Bowler is in an entirely new situation with the Patriots. He has had to learn a new playbook and build chemistry with new teammates. Newton has fully embraced his surroundings in every aspect, which has helped him find success and comfort in the offense. What is most telling is that early reports during the offseason indicated that McDaniels had his hesitations with the star quarterback that didn’t lead to an immediate pursuit of his services.
There have also been some notable adjustments to the offensive game plan that have played a factor in the franchise’s success. At the same time, much of the credit should rest on Newton’s shoulders for taking on the situation and making the most of the opportunity.
Renewed energy in New England
It has been more than just Cam Newton’s strong play to begin the year that has been noticeable.
The Patriots have embraced the new environment that comes with Newton being in the mix. There is certainly the firm structure under head coach Bill Belichick, but it’s a different vibe around the franchise.
Much of the issues that arose internally last year around Tom Brady’s frustrations with the situation are effectively in the past. Newton brings a fresh new opportunity for the organization to move forward in a new era.
It may be early in the 2020 season, but it could be the start of a completely new pathway for the Patriots.
