When an NFL quarterback shows confidence, it usually trickles down to the rest of the players.
If the leader of the offense believes in the process and the abilities of the guys around him, his teammates will feed off that energy and the whole group should benefit as a result. The New England Patriots know that well after watching Tom Brady lead the franchise to six Super Bowl titles and many, many victories over the past 20 years.
Brady's likely replacement, Cam Newton, also doesn't lack confidence. Newton's energy at training camp this week has been very noticeable, and it's certainly made an impression on Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.
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“He’s definitely a former MVP for a reason," Edelman said Friday on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show". "The guy is a professional. He works his tail off. He’s extremely dynamic and he’s got a charming personality. It’s been fun to be around. He has a confidence about him — all quarterbacks have a confidence, but it’s just a little different with Cam. It’s a vibe that can feel you and get you in a mindset. It’s been fun."
Newton is the favorite to be the Patriots' starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but he'll have to beat out Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer for the job. So far, the 2015 NFL MVP is off to a good start.
Edelman also gave his take on the battle for the starting QB job.
New England Patriots
“The competition in that room has been great -- all three of those guys and Lewerke," Edelman said on WEEI. "They are all working hard and it’s been a great new energy. It’s fun. It’s something I have never had to deal with, with someone other than who we used to have, but it’s been fun to go out there and play with other guys.”
Edelman will be the most trusted target for whichever quarterback wins the starting role. The veteran wide receiver is coming off an impressive 2019 season during which he tallied 100 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards and six touchdowns despite battling multiple injuries.