Here’s how Cam Newton played in his Patriots debut against the Dolphins

The Patriots’ quarterback put the team on his back in the win.

The New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins, 21-11, in Week 1. In Cam Newton’s first game as the starting quarterback, he was able to do enough to put his team in a position to win.

Newton wasn’t exactly amazing through the air, throwing for just 155 yards without a touchdown or interception. However, he wasn’t asked to do all that much, as he attempted only 19 passes, completing 15 of those (78.9% completion percentage).

Where he really excelled was on the ground. Newton rushed a game-high 15 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. He was excellent with RPOs with both James White and Rex Burkhead. He patiently read the defense to make the correct decision to either hand the ball off or keep it himself.

As a result, the Patriots managed the following rushing milestones (as noted by ESPN stats): Newton had the most ever by a Patriots quarterback in a game (15), he ran for the most by a Patriots QB since 1977 (75 yards), and New England rushed 42 times for 217 yards, which are both the most in a season opener under Bill Belichick.

“He puts himself last and puts his team first. He’s done a tremendous job there,” Belichick said in a postgame press conference Sunday. “He’s a very, very unselfish player. He’s a great teammate. He’s earned everybody’s respect daily. He just continues to do everything he can to help our team.”

On his two rushing touchdowns, Newton looked determined and celebrated accordingly with his teammates.

Look for a lot more of this run-first style of offense as the season rolls on, and Newton is in a perfect position to run it effectively.

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