Through the first two weeks of the season, Cam Newton has made quite a first impression on New England.
Tom Brady's replacement has been effective both as a runner and a passer in the Patriots' first couple of matchups vs. the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks. Newton rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Miami, then almost threw for 400 yards and led a late comeback vs. Seattle.
There's plenty of season left for Newton and Co., which means there likely are plenty of ups and downs to come. But so far, so good for the former Carolina Panthers quarterback.
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Pats-Seahawks Report Card: Newton, WRs get high marks
NBC Sports Boston's Patriots insider Tom E. Curran joined The Dan Patrick Show to discuss the positive impact Newton has had on the team to this point.
"Nobody anticipated this kind of start. I was on the cynical side, I said 8-8 but if you really put pressure on me I would've told you 7-9," Curran said. "Instead, what we're watching is Cam Newton making players better, especially at the wide receiver position."
Not only is Newton shining on the field, he's also impressing with his attitude off of it. The Patriots coaching staff has raved about his leadership since he arrived.
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"Everybody who wasn't in Carolina had an image of Cam as maybe a little bit self-absorbed and narcissistic," said Curran. "I think the main impetus for [Josh] McDaniels or his teammates or [Bill] Belichick have been to say, 'Look, he doesn't care about anything except working hard, bringing energy and winning football games."
Watch Curran's full appearance on The Dan Patrick Show below:
Newton has said and done all the right things early on in his Patriots career. If the 2015 NFL MVP can continue on this path, the excitement about this team's potential will only continue to grow in New England.