The New England Patriots turned to Cam Newton this offseason to fill Tom Brady’s shoes, and it is clear how their offense has been remade in Newton’s skill-set. Newton got on the board with his second touchdown run of the game on a well-crafted running design.
Facing a 1st and 10 in the red zone, the Patriots aligned with Newton under center and the backfield empty. Then, running back Rex Burkhead motioned back towrds the offensive backfield, and at the snap Newton faked a handoff to Burkhead before aiming for the right edge:
Cam Newton punishes the Dolphins lack of contain. pic.twitter.com/xgfVrkv6Va
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 13, 2020
The Miami Dolphins’ defense failed to stay home and keep contain, giving Newton the edge. From there, he outraced the Miami defense to the front pylon for the score.
New England’s new-look offense is worthy of further study, as we will do in the coming hours. But for now, it is clear how the Patriots are going to attack defenses this year both through the air and on the ground: With a heavy dose of Cam Newton.