Seahawks week two: 5 things to know about the Patriots

Cam Newton

12th Man Rising: Cam Newton was very good in his Patriots debut. Is he a one-year rental and how good do you think he can be this season?

Adam Weinrib: It is very, very easy to get swayed by Newton’s impressive play and swagger, but I think the Patriots are going to wait a little bit longer before deciding whether or not to pay him. It’s clear, though, from Week 1 (in case it wasn’t already) that this team, with Newton and the impressive defense, is far too good to tank. That means that next season’s QB options will be from the free-agent pool once again.

Thus far, Belichick has made it very clear publicly that he’s in love with Newton’s work ethic and mentality, quashing all concerns that he wouldn’t “fit” here, which was nonsensical from the start. I’ve said since the signing that I believed Newton’s Pats ceiling was his 2017 season and not his MVP campaign and that’s still…really great! He was relied upon to run in Week 1 more than he ever has before and exerted methodical control over the offense. It might not always look as flashy in New England as it once did, but time and time again, it worked on Sunday.

I think that’ll be the MO moving forward, and if the team keeps rattling off wins and making it feel like the past two decades of dominance are effortlessly continuing, Belichick and Co. will likely reward Newton with some long-term security. There’s a reason Jarrett Stidham was the third-stringer last week.