FOXBORO The connection between Tom Brady and Julian Edelman was undeniable. You saw it in practice. You certainly saw it games over the last six seasons for the Patriots No. 1 receiver.

As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Embarking on his first training camp without Brady, not much has changed for Edelman. The 34-year-old is still clearly the best wide receiver in New England. On Sunday, it looked like his connection with quarterback Cam Newton was also undeniable.

Day 6 of training camp was Edelmans most productive practice this summer. It wasnt a coincidence that it coincided with Newtons strongest performance this summer. Edelman caught a team-high seven passes from the veteran quarterback on Sunday. Newton hit Edelman with seven of his first 15 completions in full-team drills.

"Were still just trying to get to know each other," Edelman said after Sundays practice. "Just like I am with all my new teammates, but specifically with a guy that distributes the football, just kind of getting to know each other as people on the field, off the field. Trying to build a rapport. Thats what Im also doing with (Brian Hoyer) and (Jarrett Stidham) but those guys have been around, so its been one of those things where Ive got to catch up with Cam."

The pair did a lot of catching up on this day. When 11-on-11s started, Newton hit Edelman with two of his first three passes. The receiver finished with six receptions in Newtons first 11 completions. The quarterback could also be heard apologizing for an inaccurate pass, but it was one that Edelman still caught.

After six days of camp, Edelman leads all Patriots receivers with 15 receptions. Thats a lot considering he was limited for two practice. So far, 10 of those catches have come from Newton, whos starting to pull ahead in the Patriots quarterback competition.

"I mean, any time you go out and execute a play in practice, I think that creates confidence," Edelman said." Not only in your head, but your teammates head and for that one play to happen, 11 guys have to do something right. I think the more we go out and execute, regardless of whos executing, I think thats just confidence building."

Its clear that Edelman will be a big factor with whoever starts at quarterback for the Patriots. Its certainly a good sign that hes already showing some on-field chemistry with Newton.

"Hes a smart football player just like Jarrett and Hoy are," Edelman said. "These guys are going in and working their tails off. Im really worried about going in and trying to compete myself I can you theyre all working their tail off."

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ

Original post:
Julian Edelman and Cam Newton show chemistry with the Patriots - The Providence Journal