The Facts: Through a good portion of last season -- his first with the New England Patriots -- Newton struggled mightily. That written, there were plenty of factors facing the 2015 AP NFL Most Valuable Player and longtime face of the Carolina Panthers. Not the least of which was the lack of a normal offseason and training camp to prepare Newton for his first year with the Patriots. Thus far, Newton's way head of the curve in comparison to a season ago according to his head coach and himself. "Cam's way ahead of where he was last year at this time. There's no question about that," HC Bill Belichick said Tuesday morning.

Diehards Line:Belichick continued: "I mean, as you would expect, he has a good year of experience under his belt and he's able to start the process at the beginning and not be in a catch-up mode like he was last year. ..." Newton is grateful for the second chance in New England and continuing to take in Josh McDaniels' offense and getting all the more comfortable. "I have a constant note that I remind myself each and every day: Pre-snap comfort will help post-snap results for me," Newton said Tuesday. As Newton finds himself amid a crowded quarterback room with rookie first-rounder Mac Jones, veteran Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham and vying for the QB1 spot heading into the 2021 season, it's obviously still just the most preliminary of reports. Nonetheless, Newton appears to be off to the good start he wasn't afforded getting off to a season ago.