Cam Newton Is Healthy Again

Cam Newton’s demise as a franchise quarterback in the NFL appears to have been greatly exaggerated.

Newton looked like his old self against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, combining a powerful rushing attack with timely passing to grind down the Dolphins defense. Newton finished the game with 75 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, the most rushing yards by a Patriots quarterback since 1976.

It’s been a long time since opposing defenses have seen Newton play like this. He had lost his last eight starts dating back to Week 9 in 2018. He didn’t have a rushing touchdown in 10 straight games. His 75 rushing yards on Sunday were his most since Week 10 in 2017. It’s the first time he’s rushed for two touchdowns since 2016.

Newton has been dogged by injuries the past few seasons that put his ability to lead an NFL offense in serious doubt. He alleviated those doubts on Sunday. On fourth down from the Dolphins five-yard-line on the pivotal drive of the fourth quarter, the Patriots ran a designed run for Newton, who piled into the line and carried defenders with him for a four-yard gain. Sony Michel scored on the next play, putting the Patriots up by 10 with five minutes to play.

A Lisfranc injury ended Newton’s 2019 season after just two games. He’s had surgery to his shoulder twice since 2016. He had to wait until July before signing with the Patriots and had a quarterback battle with Jarrett Stidham during training camp. But, on Sunday, he proved this is now his team.