FOXBOROUGH — The Cam Newton era is off to a good start.
Led by their new quarterback, the Patriots defeated the Dolphins 21-11 at Gillett Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Newton finished 15-for-19 passing for `155 yards, while also adding 75 yards on 15 carries, including two touchdowns.
Leading just 14-11 midway through the fourth quarter, a 10-play, 60-yard drive capped off with a Sony Michel touchdown run put the game away.
New England really picked things up in the second half when things seemed to click more on both sides of the ball.
Here are 10 quick thoughts on the game.
1. What you saw was the new-look Patriots offense, which is much more focused on the running game and includes a lot of RPOs for Newton and misdirection plays. If he stays healthy all year, it should be fun to watch and he has the potential to put up some big numbers. It will also be the way the team plays all year — run the ball and play good defense. While it worked Sunday against Miami, it may be more difficult to do against some of the better teams in the league.
2. Newton was very impressive in his debut. After a run-heavy first half, Josh McDaniels let him loose a bit in the second half when it comes to the passing game, especially on the opening possession of the third quarter. It's worth wondering how much running Newton will be allowed to do all season given his recent injury history. At least for Week 1, Newton did not have any restrictions.
3. As we thought going into the game, the Patriots really do not have much at wide receiver. No wide out was even targeted besides Julian Edelman and N'Keal Harry. Edelman and Newton showcased their building chemistry, especially in the second half. The veteran finished with five receptions for 57 yards. Meanwhile, Harry had five receptions for 39 yards. But, the most noteworthy thing from him in the game was fumbling out of the end zone resulting in a touchback and allowing Miami to get back into the game late.
4. The Patriots went with a running back by committee approach with all the active backs seeing carries. Undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor may have been the most impressive as he finished with 28 yards on just four carries. It will be interesting to see what happens when Damien Harris returns and no matter what happens it doesn't appear to be good news for Michel. Michel had 37 yards, while Burkhead had 32.
5. As part of the Patriots' rotation along the offensive line, Michael Onwenu saw some time at right tackle giving Jermaine Eluemunor a break. The rookie out of Michigan has played guard his entire career, but could add to the Patriots' depth at tackle. Players not playing every series was something that was expected going into the game.
6. It's clear the secondary will be the strength of the Patriots defense. The unit picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick three times and really didn't allow anyone to get going in the passing game. It is worth noting safety Adrian Phillips spent a lot of time in the box playing a hybrid linebacker role. This could be his role for the entire season. Chase Winovich had a very solid game and could be a candidate for a breakout sophomore season.
7. Joejuan Williams appears to have the role vacated by Patrick Chung of covering opponents tight ends. The second-year player did a good job against Mike Gesicki, limiting him to just three catches.
8. At least for now, Taylor is the primary kick returner, while Damiere Byrd is the primary punt returner. Based on how things have gone so far this summer, the team would like to limit Edelman's time returning kicks to keep him as healthy as possible.
9. It appears like Steve Belichick is calling the defensive plays. Jerod Mayo stood by him, but seemed like Belichick was the one calling them into the defense. Belichick took over as outside linebackers coach this offseason and that seems to be the path for Patriots coaches to take in order to be defensive coordinators.
10. In terms of viewing the game from inside the stadium, it was a weird experience. There was not much sound and it almost felt like a scrimmage. It will be extremely important for players around the league to bring their own emotion because there will be nothing to feed off of.
Newton's 15 rushing attempts were the most he's had in a game since Oct. 12, 2014 against the Bengals when he had 17.
