Kyler Murray is the quarterback Cam Newton once was in Carolina

In more ways than you can imagine, Kyler Murray and Cam Newton are one in the same.

Speed is just one thing Kyler Murray and Cam Newton have in common.

Both quarterbacks saw a sensational rise during their final seasons at Auburn and Oklahoma, respectively. They both hoisted the coveted Heisman Trophy to cap off a remarkable year and both transferred from SEC programs to better their chances of starting. And of course, they both went No.1 in their respective drafts.

More than any of that, Newton and Murray hit the reset button for a pair of struggling franchises. One year after drafting former No.1 recruit Jimmy Clausen, Carolina bailed on that plan in favor of Newton. All he did was help the Panthers go to multiple playoffs and represent the NFC in Super Bowl 50 as the 2015 MVP.

Murray, who took over for fellow No.1 high school quarterback Josh Rosen, brought a new flame to the sea of red out west. Although dubbed by some a foolish move, Steve Keim continues to look smart for bailing on the former top 10.

Murray has transcended the Cardinals‘ offense from mediocre to a playoff contender and should be in line for his own MVP campaign soon. First though, he’ll have to get past Newton and the Patriots come Sunday afternoon.

History repeats itself with Murray

Through 10 games in 2020, Murray has thrown for 2,664 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding another10 on the ground. With six games left, he’ll need four to tie Newton’s single-season rushing record at 14 from 2011.

Newton has been limited in the passing game due to the receiving corp in Foxborough, but still is making the most of his legs. This season, he’s rushed for nine scores while throwing for 1,900 yards and four touchdowns.

The two also are the only players in league history to throw for 6,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in their first 25 career NFL games. Of course, when Newton started playing, dual-threat quarterbacks weren’t ideal outside of Michael Vick.  In fact, most careers were short-lived due to injury or size.

In a way, the 31-year-old Newton pioneered his way for multiple names such as Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Josh Allen to even have careers. And to Newton, he recognizes each player’s potential.

“Kyler is a person who is electric,” Newton told reporters Wednesday. “I’ve had the opportunity to see Lamar. I’ve obviously had the opportunity to play against Deshaun last week. Those guys, and Kyler this week, it’s just fun to play against a guy like that as well as knowing that the game is kind of turning to that style of quarterback who can not only attack you with the legs, but as well as potent with his legs but with his arm as well.”

The trend of mobility is becoming popular under center. For Murray though, he’s not a one-trick pony with pizzaz thrown in. His throwing motion is stronger than Jackson’s but his legs make him dangerous in the open field.

Prior to his shoulder injury, that was Newton.

The 6-foot-5 quarterback used brute strength to pile drive defenders into the ground. If given the chance, he’d go deep, looking for targets like Steve Smith, Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin. He also was fast too, meaning linebackers would struggle to bring him down before he finished plays with massive gains.

Murray does the same but only stands 5-foot-10 and instead of strength, he trusts his agility.

Murray’s dazzling numbers this season has built the foreground for Arizona’s future. Throw in his vibrant personality and jaw-dropping clutch plays and he’ll soon become a staple face of the league. All and all, it’s very similar to Newton’s career in the Queen City.

When he entered the league, Newton changed the way teams looked at quarterbacks who could run. Now, Murray has redefined the definition of “dual-treat” in the NFL. Both game-changers at the position, fans will be in for an electrifying treat when these to meet on Sunday in Gillette Stadium.