The wide receiver of the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman, said on Monday that there is no going back to Tom Brady’s free agency and that the team has received a boost of energy from the arrival of Cam Newton.
“Of course we played a lot of football together and I love him until death do us part, but the train keeps moving, as it will if I don’t play here,” Brady’s Edelman said in his first interview with reporters since January.
“Obviously it was a slightly different scenario, but you had to go on and understand that it’s the business. You have to worry about the people we have here, and try to prepare ourselves the best we can.”
One of those teammates is Newton, who made a direct impression on Edelman when they teamed up in Los Angeles in July.
“When you first meet him, only his stature. He’s big – well put together,” Edelman said. “He has a tremendous energy about himself. I was really impressed with his work ethic and mindset.”
Newton, who is 6-foot-5, 245-pound, often makes big plays with his legs, as opposed to the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Brady, who is a pass-through.
Edelman similarly complimented the work ethic and mindset of fellow quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, both of whom he also just picked up in offseason training.
One theme that resonates between Edelman and Patriots players is that Newton has added a spark – and intriguing capabilities of Xs and Os – to the mix.
“He definitely brings a lot of energy, a nice soup to it,” said third-year cartoonist Isaiah Wynn.
“You get such a person – big body, mobile quarterback – and you’re like, ‘This is going to be exciting as we practice,'” added veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy, who is entering his fourth season with the team.
“The dynamism he brings to the wardrobe, and everyone who embraces him, is the best part. We have a unique team. When he came along, he fit right in. I think Hoy and Stidham welcome him with open arms, and they come to the field, and hear their talk, and you can see them how other plays and aspects go, it will be one of those things we can not wait to get the pads to bring the playbook to life. “
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels cited Newton’s intelligence on Friday. “He’s a smart footballer. He’s played a lot of football, seen a lot of games. Guys in our league rarely have the kind of success that a player like him has had, and this fast, without understanding the game.”
The Patriots’ first practice is scheduled for Aug. 17, and how the Patriots split the replays among Newton, Stidham and Hoyer will be closely watched. Coach Bill Belichick has not named a starter, which is his standard approach, as he often says that players determine the role they ultimately deserve. Based on career summary, Newton is the chance to favorite.
Edelman, who is the Patriots’ longest-serving attacking player (since 2009), still projects as a top-fitting option, just as he was for Brady.
“You have Hoyer, who played here. He’s been in the system,” Edelman said. “You have Stidham, who has a year under his belt. And you have Cam, this man is a hell of a footballer. This is not his first year playing football. This boy is a former MVP who was in a many have played great games.
“I have a lot of confidence in our coaching staff, along with some of the veteran players, to go out and do our best to try to prepare everyone the best we can. That’s what this season is about – about address and overcoming certain situations that everyone has to deal with.We have a long way to go, but if we just continue to bring our hard hat and lunch mail to work, and come in with a purpose, that’s normal as good things barre. “
.
