Patriots vs Seahawks Preview: Is Cam Newton the new Tom Brady for New England?
It is no secret that Cam Newton will be compared to Tom Brady throughout this season and perhaps beyond. It's only natural. Brady's best years were spent with the New England Patriots. To see him in Tampa Bay Buccaneers colors was just... not normal. Considering the year it's been, surprises and shockers seem to be around the corner. However, talking about Newton, it was more of a pleasant surprise (read, good news) for Patriots fans.
Newton had an impressive start and compared to that of Brady and his Bucs, he was far ahead, and more importantly, it ended with a win for the Patriots. For starters, both QB's started off their season with rushing touchdowns. If Brady's was a sneak, Newton's was a lot more power-filled and typical Newton as he burst through the Dolphins defense. He rushed for 75 yards, making it the second-most among quarterbacks in Week 1.
Then came the obvious talk about mobility and fitness issues. Now, we'll have to agree that Brady looked every bit a fitter QB, but of course, as comparisons and injuries go, Newton was still a far more agile performer on that day. To be absolutely clear, this isn't a Brady-dissing piece. The man is a legend and is one of the GOATs of the game. Brady's meteoric rise to fame is a story in itself. That said, it is a transition phase for both these players. The only difference — Brady had a bad day.
Despite the fact the debate will rage on, what's interesting is the own style of play Newton brings to the field. The former Carolina Panthers MVP comes in with his own strengths. In their 21-11 win over the Miami Dolphins, the QB ran 15 times for 75 yards, a stark contrast from Brady, who according to Boston, didn't run for "half that many" in 286 regular-season games. As far as the season goes, while coach Belichick plans more strategies with Newton, it surely will be different than what he did with his former star.
It was a completely different scenario. While injuries made Newton play just two games for the Panthers last season, he was back in prime form as the Dolphins were left flummoxed as he mixed passes and executed the custom run plays to near perfection. Again, it may not have been purely Brady-esque, but it sure is a start and a sense of comfort that Newton is definitely capable of filling in Brady's boots. Ahead of their next fixture against the Seattle Seahawks, Newton will face another stern test.
Like the Patriots, the Seahawks are coming off a two-figure win as well. The advantage for the home team is that they can play ram-and-pound football on both sides and are one of the best-run teams in the NFL. Should they make clutch plays on both sides of the ball, it will be all over for Newton and co pretty quickly. For Newton, to perhaps earn the love and respect of fans like Brady did might take a while, but it isn't far away if he continues in the same vein.
We're just one week into the league and while drawing comparisons might seem too early, there are some performances that automatically kickstart the discussion. Newton vs Brady and Newton being the new Brady of the Patriots is one of them and it will last for a long time.