Patriots Kick Off 2020 Season Against Dolphins With QB Position in Spotlight

Patriots Bill Belichick and Brian Flores have constructed their NFL teaching reputations on the Season Against Dolphins With QB Position in Spotlight defensive aspect of the ball.

However it‘s what is going to occur offensively for each groups that shall be within the highlight because the Patriots and Dolphins open the 2020 season.

New England’s offense is predicted to look totally different with Cam Newton on the helm following Tom Brady’s exit in free company. Miami is popping to veteran coordinator and coach Chan Gailey to revitalize its assault with prime draft decide Tua Tagovailoa ready within the wings behind veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Newton hasn’t tried to cover his giddiness since formally being chosen because the starter on the finish of coaching camp. After 9 seasons in Carolina, together with two closing years disrupted by accidents, he stated becoming a member of the Patriots is “a match made in heaven.”

“Pleasure degree is on 1,000 (p.c),” Newton stated. “I have been away from soccer actually for a full yr — 16 video games. … So I have never actually had this complete course of for a very long time now.”

That does not imply he’ll be nervous although.

“I do not get butterflies. I give them,” Newton stated with a smile.

Fitzpatrick will begin for the Dolphins on Sunday. However even he has described himself as a “placeholder” whereas the Dolphins groom Tagovailoa, who’s working his approach again from the hip harm that restricted him to only 9 video games in his closing collegiate season at Alabama.

Nonetheless, Fitzpatrick acknowledged that “it means a ton” to be the Week 1 starter.

“It isn’t one thing that I take with no consideration,” he stated. “I’ve sort of gone backwards and forwards and been the man and never been the man. I understand how troublesome it’s to earn one thing like this. … It is the explanation I nonetheless play.”

All issues thought-about, It isn’t a nasty comfort for Miami. The 37-year-old Fitzpatrick is 55-83-1 as a starter, however he was the Dolphins’ most dear participant final yr.

Flores stated he is not involved about if or when he’ll must decide between Fitzpatrick and Tagovailoa.

“I feel it might occur at any place. It is soccer. Guys get injured. Issues occur,” Flores stated. “So the whole crew or the blokes who’re on the energetic roster must be able to go and Tua is a part of that.”

As for Bill Belichick’s Patriots, the bar is admittedly lower than a trip to the conference championship. For the head coach, it’s about keeping New England in contention and continuing their dominance within the AFC East. The Bills will be a tough adversary, but the Dolphins and Jets are still trying to build themselves up into contention, making this a two-team race. The Patriots have won 16 of the last 17 division titles. With Cam Newton under center, there’s no reason to say that Belichick shouldn’t make that 17 of the last 18. Once they do that, a wild card win would be a delicious cherry on top.