New England made too many mistakes in a season-opening loss to Miami.

Damien Harris loses a fumble at the Miami 11 with 3:18 left, and New England falls in rookie quarterback Mac Jones’ debut.

In a YouTube video, Cam Newton also said some thought he would be a ‘distraction’ as a backup QB, and said his release ‘had nothing to do with no vaccination.’

Patriots rookie Mac Jones backed up Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when the pair were at Alabama.

All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, on the PUP list, will miss at least six weeks, while Jalen Mills is limited Thursday with an apparent ankle injury.

Bill Belichick has turned the reins over to a rookie quarterback, whose work ethic is impressive.

Even in New England’s dominant seasons Miami has been a thorn in Bill Belichick’s side, and Brian Flores coaching the Dolphins only adds to a budding rivalry.

Cunningham, who was an all-American at Southern California, made the Pro Bowl with the Patriots in 1978.

Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, who missed most of preseason with a shoulder injury, is expected to be available against the Dolphins,

Coach Bill Belichick added to comments he made last week when he said, ‘a pretty high number’ of vaccinated players and coaches have been infected with COVID-19