FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Quarterback Cam Newton has made a positive first impression on New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
“Cam is a hard-working kid. That’s really him,” Belichick said Friday morning.
Newton’s introduction to the Patriots’ system since the official signing of July 8 – and his status as the leading candidate to replace Tom Brady – is one of the most compelling stories of training camp. Several teammates have noted the energy that Newton, 31, has brought to the team.
At the same time, Belichick, 68, seems to be going to great lengths to ensure that the spotlight not only shines on Newton, who is competing with pickup from the fourth round of 2019, Jarrett Stidham, 11-year veteran Brian Hoyer and untroped free agent Brian Lewerke for the starting job.
Every time Belichick is asked about Newton, he also mentions the other quarterbacks regularly.
“He has worked very hard, I would say, like all our players have,” Belichick said. “I would say that for sure for all the quarterbacks, at that position, these guys are locked up, focused and confident in what they can do and the information they need to give to the team – playcalling, adjustments, audibles, adjustments of protection, things like that. All is well. “
But Belichick notes that Friday was scheduled to be the first full-speed, high-speed practice camp, so “we’ll see how it all comes together at that point.”
The team’s first practice session is scheduled for Monday.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Newton has caught the eye of teammates.
“He’s a big boy, that’s for sure – only his physical presence,” said veteran runner Rex Burkhead. “He’s always been a great player, just [with] his versatility – his ability to run the ball and pass through. He could do that for many years at a high level.
“He immediately came in, went downstairs and tried to pick it up as quickly as possible. … His first impact has been tremendous. He’s just trying to learn as much as possible and mesh and jell with the rest of the boys.”
Broad receiver Damiere Byrd, who played with Newton in Carolina from 2016 to 2018 and signed with the Patriots in March, echoed those thoughts.
“I just think he’s ahead,” Byrd said. “He’s trying to learn the offense, just like everyone else, trying to learn the routines and what’s going on. [on] in this climate now. “
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