Cam Newton already energizing Patriots locker room
Every time, without fail, a smile spreads. Then, a pause follows. And finally, the words spill out.
When asked about their new quarterback this summer, the Patriots have consistently failed to contain their excitement over playing alongside Cam Newton, much like they used to struggle keeping him in the pocket in games. In recent days, Newton seems to have re-energized the locker room, which was picked apart in free agency and lost eight members due to opt-outs. Speculation has since grown the Pats may no longer be favorites in their own division. But have no fear, Superman is here. “You get a person like that -- big body, mobile quarterback -- this is going to be exciting when we get to practice,” Pats defensive tackle Lawrence
Guy said Monday. “The dynamic he brings into the locker room, and everyone embracing him, is the best part.”
As of Monday morning, the Patriots had yet to run a full-speed practice. But keeping up with Newton, it seems, is a full-speed exercise unto itself.
“The dude is large, put-together well. And he's got great energy. He's got a great energy about himself,” said wide receiver Julian Edelman, who connected with Newton this offseason. “I was really impressed with his work ethic and his mindset.”
Like his fellow quarterbacks, Newton worked out with Pats wide receivers in the early summer. He initially held his own sessions in Los Angeles, then crossed the country to throw with Jarrett Stidham, Brian Hoyer and other pass catchers in suburban Boston. Last Friday, all three said they've gotten along so far, at the start of month-long position battle. Other Patriots see it, too. “Once he came in, he fit right in,” Guy said. “I think (Hoyer) and Stidham did welcome him with open arms. Them coming on the field, and hearing them talking, you can see them throw different plays and aspects out . ... (I) can't wait to see playbook come to life.”
On offense, Newton can be expected to transform certain corners and chapters of the Pats' playbook. His dual-threat style will complicate life primarily for his linemen, who had been used to protecting a pocket-bound Tom Brady. Should Newton win the job, scrambling and other forms of unpredictability likely lay ahead.
For now, the linemen are having fun; enjoying all that it means to be in their new quarterback's growing orbit.
“It's been exciting,” said left tackle Isaiah Wynn. “He definitely brings a good energy; brings a nice juice with it.”
Edelman, Guy explain opting in As several of their teammates chose to sit out the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19, Edelman and Guy silently stayed put.
Both players explained their decisions to play Monday, saying they weighed their options and respected the choices of Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung and others to opt out. But for Edelman, who has a young daughter, he felt his life situation allowed him to play out his age-34 season.
“I'm not a doctor, and this isn't something not to be scared about. But I thought it would be best for me and my family if I were to go out,” he said. “And that's what I chose to do.”
Guy, who also has children, has placed his trust in the Patriots staff and his teammates to keep their shared working environment safe. Like other players, he's been impressed with the team's efforts.
“There's always going to be concerns because this is a virus that nobody has the answer for. So that is there. But (we're) understanding that the team is doing the best they can to keep us safe,” he said. “They're cleaning the facilities. And players holding each other accountable of trying to keep everybody else's family safe, is one of those things that you really know is going to happen here.
“So me knowing that and me having that trust in my teammates gave me the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, I'm going to play this year.'