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Dolphins get first look at a new Newton
Life can be tough on athletic quarterbacks as they age and eventually lose their ability to scramble, and Cam Newton might become the latest example of this.
After spending a decade viewed as one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat weapons, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP was discarded like a snot-filled tissue by the Carolina Panthers, who released the nine-year starter unceremoniously this past offseason after signing Teddy Bridgewater to replace him.
Newton spent months unemployed after missing most of last season due to a foot injury. His search for a new team ended when the New England Patriots signed him to a one-year deal that pays the 31 year old like he’s a backup offensive lineman ($1.75 million base salary).
But a resurgent Newton earned New England’s starting job during training camp, and after struggling with injuries the past two seasons the three-time Pro Bowler has to realize his game — the style of play that led to him scoring more rushing touchdowns than any other NFL quarterback in the history of the league — must evolve.
This season Newton will likely attempt to make a conversion few — Hall of Famer Steve Young, Randall Cunningham and Michael Vick — have successfully achieved before him, ditching the run-freely approach with the goal of being a more traditional pocket passer.
But what will it look like in New England’s offense? On a video conference call during training camp Newton embraced the fact he has the element of surprise on his side.
“I think the most exciting thing is that nobody knows,” said Newton, who has rushed for 4,806 yards and 58 touchdowns in his career. “You’re just going to have to tune in and see. That’s what excites me the most, because everybody is kind [of ] having the same questions. ‘What are they going to do?’ ”
The Miami Dolphins are in the position of being Newton’s first opponent, and even though he’s learning a new offense, don’t he shocked if the former Auburn standout uses Sunday’s season opener as a statement game.
At least that is what Dolphins’ players expect.
“It’s Cam Newton now. He can do it all,” linebacker Jerome Baker warned. “He’s got a strong arm, he can run, he’s athletic. If you still think about Tom [Brady] and all of that, it’s going to be a long game.
“I think we do a great job of just making sure everybody remembers that it’s going to be Cam Newton. The type of player he is, he’s dynamic.”
Coach Brian Flores stressed the importance of reading the keys, playing with fundamentals and technique, and “rushing the right way” against Newton because of his ability to extend plays, and beat teams with his legs.
Evading pressure — buying time for his receivers to get open — is how Newton has carved up teams in the past.
Miami has played two regularseason games against Newton’s since he entered the league in
2011, and Newton is undefeated against the Dolphins.
Miami came close to defeating
Newton and the Panthers in 2013, leading, 16-13, with less than a minute remaining in regulation. But that was before Newton
found tight end Greg Olsen for a game-winning score with 0:43 remaining to elevate the Panthers to a 20-16 win.
The Panthers dominated Miami, 45-21, in a Monday night game in 2017, highlighted by four Newton touchdown passes and 95 rushing yards.
Patriot teams where Flores was on the defensive staff also haven’t had much success against Newton, losing both games.
“Cam is extremely talented. He’s a guy that’s going to make plays. Our job on defense is to read our keys, do what we’re taught, fundamentals,” cornerback Byron Jones said. “That’s what it’s really going to come down to, especially early in the season. Tackling, knowing the plays, understanding what the offense wants to do to the defense depending on the offensive set. It’s just a game of focus and attention to the details really.”
It’s always interesting to watch the evolution scrambling quarterbacks have when they can’t take hits like they used to, and are forced to become pocket passers to extend their careers.
So it’ll be interesting to see if the Patriots can teach Newton, who has completed 59.6 percent of his passes during his NFL career, a few new tricks and help him do just as much damage with his arm as he’s done with his legs.