New England Patriots: Cam Newton shows glimpses of MVP Cam Newton

The most impressive part of the New England Patriots 35-0 whipping of the Philadelphia Eagles in the team’s second preseason game was how Cam Newton looked during his time on the field.

It may be an overreaction or more of a glimpse of hope, but Cam looked like a quality quarterback and a man on a missing.

Homeboy went 8-for-9 for 103 yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, he looked comfortable in the pocket while delivering strikes to the likes of Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne. He simply looked like 2015 Cam Newton.

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While rookie Mac Jones impressed just as much, maybe there really is something to Newton getting some preseason reps and being pushed by the No. 15 overall pick. Perhaps there is something to him having more weapons to throw to.

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The Patriots were without Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith for this game, but a deep, talented running back group along with a mix of reliable playmakers could bring out the best in Cam. Obviously, it was just a preseason game against a team sitting most of their starters, but it was a showmanship of progress in which Newton benefitted from a good week of practice.

"“You know, I thought all players had a good week,” Belichick said following the game, via Patriots.com. “Everybody improved – the coaches that helped us, you know, seeing a new team and working through that. The players – Cam had a good week – but I thought everybody worked hard and tried to take advantage of every opportunity that we had to go against a different group of players and different schemes. It was beneficial for all of us. It was two really good days. I think we benefited from it.”"

That’s classic Belichick not giving an individual player a particular shine, but the coach has said all along that the starting job is Cam Newton’s to lose. But what he is not saying is that Newton is in a battle with the rookie. While everyone else is putting emphasis on the Cam vs. Mac battle, the coach is not playing into it, but both quarterbacks know the deal. A veteran quarterback like Newton knows the deal.

So, is he doing enough to prove he is the man?

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On Thursday night, Newton played like a quarterback capable of leading an offense and he didn’t have to be a running quarterback to do it. In threading the Eagles’ defense, Newton displayed awareness in the pocket while at the same time showing off some of the arm strength he does have. He showcased it in a nice strike to Bourne and also threw a nice touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers.

If you are pulling for Mr. Newton, you loved it. Even if you are pushing for Mac Jones, you have to be encouraged by what Newton can be when he has rhythm and comfortable with the group of playmakers on the field.

"“That’s one of our keys to win each and every week – to start fast,” Newton said regarding his rhythm with the receivers. “We had pretty good field position and we just had to uphold our end of the bargain. Coach challenged us in the passing game just to be more efficient and that’s what we just tried to do. Throw and catch and have good discipline in the zone defenses and the man-to-man defenses – whatever they threw at us – that’s just how we tried to do.”"

Efficiency is the key word as Newton hasn’t shown that type of efficiency since Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season when he lit up the Seattle Seahawks for over 300 yards.

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Back then, he had Julian Edelman on his last leg. This season, if he wins the job, he will have a confident Meyers, a couple of new receivers in Bourne and Nelson Agholor along with a tight end duo of Henry and Smith to get the ball to.

In all, Cam Newton is set up to succeed, especially given the offensive line and the running back depth to go along with the playmakers. He also knows any glimpse of failure will lead to an opportunity from Mac Jones, who is not backing down in this quarterback competition.

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