JOSH MCDANIELS

Mac Jones had probably his best day so far during Day 9 of Patriots training camp.

Cam Newton would be the first to tell you that his inaugural season with the New England Patriots didn’t go as envisioned.

“At this point in time, this is our most important game,” Tagovailoa said. The rookie quarterback, 4-2 as a starter, will face the Patriots for the first time. Miami's defense is much improved since Week 1, when it allowed 217 yards rushing in a loss at New England. The Dolphins rank second in the NFL in points allowed, and are tied for the league lead with 25 takeaways. TUA THE TARGETShould the Patriots take Tagovailoa seriously as a receiving threat?

(AP Photo/Don Wright)NFL coaches thumbed their collective — and exposed — noses at the NFL’s mask mandate in Week 2. More coaches and clubs can expect similar punishments as the memo last week from Troy Vincent, who oversees the league’s football operations, was largely ignored throughout the weekend. Players, who, like the coaches, are subject to daily COVID-19 tests, are exempt from the face covering requirements. Some coaches such as Belichick, McDaniels and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wore their masks or gaiters over their mouths but not noses. Others such as Carroll, Spagnuolo and Fangio wore their face coverings around their chins or necks, exposing both their mouths and noses.

Bill Belichick said he's open to using a two-quarterback system this season, another example of how radically different the New England Patriots could look after Tom Brady's departure. The longtime coach acknowledged he was considering the possibility, and the Patriots later used all three of their QBs during a single scrimmage series. Hoyer has the most experience in the Patriots offense. Stidham has youth and potential, having beaten out Hoyer as a rookie last season to be Bradys No. Belichick said using multiple quarterbacks could lend itself to different formations.

In this still image from a Webex media availability hosted by the New England Patriots, quarterback Cam Newton responds to a question, Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (New England Patriots via AP)Cam Newton is the first to admit hes still getting used to his new life as a member of the New England Patriots. I think Im a person that is a self-motivator. Newton said that he has no limitations and is full go.For me, the seasons not here yet, Newton said. Ive only been kind of geared toward one particular team and in one particular city, Newton said.