CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 18: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after his team scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 18, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Does the signing of Cam Newton really instantly elevate the New England Patriots to Super Bowl contenders the same season they lose Tom Brady?
Less than 48 hours after the news broke that former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was headed to New England to potentially replace Tom Brady, ESPN’s Football Power Index improved the Patriots’ current pre-season ranking from No.