Inside an empty and silent Gillette Stadium, which holds 65,878, Cam Newton out-muscled the Miami Dolphins’ run defense while scoring two rushing touchdowns in a 21-11 Opening Day victory. Newton, who was signed to a one-year contract during the off-season, is of course replacing six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, yet still gave the Dolphins fits all afternoon.
The former Carolina Panther completed 15 passes for 155 yards, but his offensive damage came from his legs, logging 75 yards on 15 attempts to go along with two touchdowns. Ryan Fitzpatrick, winning the quarterback competition over first-round draft choice Tua Tagovailoa, coughed up three interceptions Sunday afternoon and ended with a total QBR of a dismal 44.