FOXBOROUGH — When it comes to the first two full-padded practices for the Patriots in which select media members have been able to attend, all everyone wants to know is how did Cam Newton look?
Did he get the first-team reps?
Did his shoulder look healthy?
How's the chemistry with his new pass-catchers?
Well, if we're being honest, it's a little too early to definitively jump to any conclusions.
It's been two full-padded practices and Monday's was really focused on the running game, so Newton didn't get a chance to do much throwing. And when it comes to the actual reps in drills, as well as 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 action, they have been split evenly between Newton, Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer.
What is clear through two practices of watching Newton is the energy he brings. It starts as soon as he runs up the stairs and onto the two grass fields behind Gillette Stadium. The quarterback has run towards the middle of the field both days with a genuine excitement and pep in his step to get on the practice field with his new teammates.
During stretching he's danced to the music being played and yelled a few times out of joy. And then during the practice he's been very vocal in terms of praising his teammates, which has even included the other quarterbacks when they make good throws that lead to good plays.
That energy has rubbed off on his teammates, which has been something everyone has hit on when asked about him in recent days and weeks.
"It's been exciting," left tackle Isaiah Wynn said last week. "He definitely brings a good energy, brings a nice juice with it. It's been good."
Julian Edelman added: "He's a specimen, for sure. When you first meet him — just his stature, the dude is large, put together well and he has great energy. He has a great energy about himself. I was really impressed with his work ethic and his mindset."
The energy coming from Newton is absolutely a good thing to see, especially the cheering for the other quarterbacks, who he is competing with for the starting job.
Speaking of the starting job, it would be irresponsible to say any of the quarterbacks have shown enough in two padded practices to have the inside track on the gig. It would seem the Patriots would like it to be Newton's, but have Stidham as a solid backup plan and he's still in their plans for the future.
In terms of Newton, it's evident he just got to the team and is still learning the system. There have been a few plays where he's lined up under center and seemed unsure of things. But, that is to be expected. After all, he officially signed July 8 — just over a month ago.
The positives through two days of watching practice have been he appears to be taking steps forward each day. He looked better on Tuesday than he did Monday. In addition, he seems to be taking well to the coaching staff.
After one 11-on-11 set of plays he went over them quickly with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. There have been no signs that he views himself above his teammates just because he's a former NFL MVP. He seems willing to put the time in and learn the offense just like the other newcomers and rookies.
"He works extremely hard. He puts a lot into it," Bill Belichick said on ESPN Radio Monday.
As long as Newton continues to improve every day and is able to show that he's grasping the offense more and more, there's no reason why he wouldn't win the starting job. After all, the Patriots do not play a game for another month. He has the time.
Through the first two practices Newton has been rather workmanlike. While he hasn't had any plays that have been of the standout variety, he also hasn't had any of the negative variety. That may not be what people want to hear as it relates to the quarterback competition, but it's a good thing for Newton especially in the early going.
If he keeps stringing days like these together, he should be in good shape come Sept. 13 for the season opener.
Another thing to consider with Newton is his scrambling ability and how that cannot really be showed in training camp. Wearing a red, non-contact jersey, he cannot be tackled or even really have defenders get close to him. This makes it impossible to tell if he would be sacked, or run for a 25-yard gain.
That is a major part of his skill set and it likely will not really be on full display until he gets to play in a game.
While Newton hasn't had any standout moments through the first two days of full-padded practices, it isn't necessarily a bad thing. If he continues on this pace and continues to improve each and every day, he will be under center Week 1 against the Dolphins.
