Josh McDaniels Gives Initial Impressions Of New Patriots Quarterback Cam Newton

Cam Newton and Josh McDaniels are in a similar position when it comes to the start of the 2020 season.

For the first time, McDaniels is working with what will be a new starting quarterback during his two-phased tenure with the New England Patriots. Similarly Newton, who was drafted first overall in 2011, is trying to learn a new offense.

Josh McDaniels Has Faith In Newton

But while newcomers have always considered the Patriots offense difficult, McDaniels indicated confidence that with Newton’s football knowledge, the 2015 NFL MVP will have no troubles picking up the playbook.

“He is a smart football player,” McDaniels told reporters with a smile.

“He’s played a lot of football. He’s seen a lot of stuff. You know, guys in our league, I think rarely have the type of success that a player like he has had in his past without understanding the game,” Josh McDaniels continued. “He learns well.

Almost all of the learning process has taken place in meetings as the Patriots only have held walkthroughs and conditioning sessions.

Newton’s Thoughts On The Learning Process

Newton, in relation to that, was asked about a quote from receiver Julian Edelman, who noted the system was like “calculus” in one of Newton’s Instagram posts. The QB said it was among the things he remembered most from his first conversation with Edelman.

“Man, this whole process has just been amazing. Just to be around these guys and trying to understand as much as possible in this short period of time,” Newton said. “You know, at the end of the day, football is still football. And you just can’t make too much on it than what it already is.

“Josh has been there every step of the way, as well as coach Jedd (Fisch). And, you know, just been hammering away. All the quarterbacks have been trying to learn this whole system for what it is worth and we’ve been assisting each other on that as well.”

Learning Patriots’ Offense

Learning the offense is one of, if not the most important part of Newton’s earning of the starting quarterback position. After all, Newton said he feels “amazing” physically and will be “full-go” when practices begin Aug. 12 and padded sessions begin Aug. 17.

Bill Belichick refrained from commenting about Newton’s progress, but the Patriots believe the preseason will help sort the quarterback competition out.