Patriots Open Cam Newton Era with Week 1 Win over Dolphins
The New England Patriots opened up the 2020 season yesterday. There were a lot of changes in this one. Tom Brady was not under center. The Patriots had Cam Newton as their starting quarterback. There of course were no fans in the stands. But none of that mattered because the Patriots started off on the right foot. They came away with a 21-11 victory over the Miami Dolphins in week one.
1-0. pic.twitter.com/rIeqqJazMQ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
Let’s take a look back at a few key players/moments from week one.
Cam Newton
đź‘€ @CameronNewton's first TD in New England! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/W6ED1gyUFs
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
đź‘€ @CameronNewton's second TD in New England! pic.twitter.com/PqUNvcqC8g
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
Cam Newton made his highly anticipated debut with the Patriots and it didn’t disappoint. Through the air, he was 15/19 with 155 passing yards. That doesn’t really stand out. But what does stand out is the running game with Cam. 15 carries for 75 yards and two touchdown runs? Yeah, that’s something we’re not used to seeing as Patriots fans. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Cam looked accurate through the air and had some good reads on play action. Could he have even played better? Yes! He could’ve tried to avoid a sack on third down in the second quarter after a Stephon Gilmore interception. Other than that, not much to complain about with Cam in his Patriots debut.
N’Keal Harry’s Fumble
The Patriots looked like they were driving down the field again. They were going to score and essentially put the game out of reach. Cam Newton completed a pass to N’Keal Harry, Harry gets to the one, and fumbles. Not only does he fumble, but it ends up being a touchback and a 15 point swing. You have to hold onto the ball right there if you’re Harry in that situation. He has a big enough frame where he should be able to easily control that ball. That’s a play that can’t happen when you start to play the San Francisco, Kansas City, and Baltimores of the NFL.
The Patriots Defense
Game 1, Interception 1 for @BumpNrunGilm0re! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/MqZmT86qw6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
INT for @Phillips_17 in his #Patriots debut! #MIAvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/LxfVwf6fcU
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 13, 2020
Former Terp JC Jackson is picking back up right where he left off last season with an INT to seal a win for his team.
Jackson continues to climb to the top of the CB hierarchy in the NFL.pic.twitter.com/BHZSKawPiy
— Jordan Gold (@Jordan_Gold0) September 13, 2020
Credit to the defense here. They had a great first impression for having a lot of question marks. The front seven didn’t have many sacks, but they were timely. The secondary showed why they are going to be one of the best in the league. Stephon Gilmore, Adrian Phillips, and J.C. Jackson all had an interception each in this one. They capitalized on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s mistakes and had a relatively good day. There still will be questions going forward. But for now, you’re happy with the performance.
In Conclusion
This was a good way to bring in a new era of Patriots football. But guess what? You can’t be complacent. Because guess what? Who do you have week two? The Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night football. Seattle’s going to be a much tougher challenge than Miami. Russell Wilson just threw four touchdown passes in week one, on the road, against Atlanta. This is going to be a battle. But if the Patriots can somehow pull this game out, that’ll send a huge message throughout the league. For now, let’s enjoy a Patriots victory Monday. How do we feel about a week one win? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW YEAH!
-Al Nahigian (@BigAl2793)