7. This is good news for Sony Michel and N’Keal Harry
Newton has a history of getting young pass-catchers involved in a way Brady did not. Receivers Kelvin Benjamin and D.J. Moore and running back Christian McCaffrey were all excellent in their rookie seasons. Brady, meanwhile, has never seen a rookie receiver exceed what Aaron Dobson did in 2013, when he had 37 catches for 519 yards and four touchdowns.
Newton’s ability to get youngsters involved will help Harry, who had a rough rookie season that featured just 12 receptions. And Harry, who is a big-bodied receiver, resembles the stature and playing style of some of Newton’s favorite targets in Carolina: Benjamin and Devin Funchess.
For Michel, the arrival of Newton means an emphasis on the running game. Even if the Patriots use Newton sparingly as a runner, they’re still going to be running him much more than they would have run Brady. Not only will that mean the Patriots use fullbacks and tight ends more often, but it also means Newton will take some attention off Michel.
8. But bad news for Brian Hoyer
Prior to Newton’s signing, Hoyer figured to be the backup behind Stidham. Now what? Hoyer is likely to be the third-stringer on a team that doesn’t always carry three quarterbacks. It’s a tough turn of events for the journeyman.