Raiders head coach Jon Gruden: Cam Newton 'is a power forward playing quarterback'

Cam Newton has looked like a perfect fit for the New England Patriots, bringing his unique blend of size and speed to bring life to an offense that many worried would struggle without Tom Brady. The Patriots face off against the Las Vegas Raiders this week and coach Jon Gruden said that Newton's physicality reminds him more of Tim Duncan than what he's used to seeing under center.

"I haven't seen many guys walk through my doors that look like Cam," Gruden told reporters. "I call him 'Slam.' Slam Newton. That was the nickname I gave him. He is a power forward playing quarterback."

The comparison is not that far off. While Newton may be shorter than a typical power forward at only 6'5", he is built like a LeBron James-type, making him a nightmare for anyone tasked with trying to stop him. In just two games, he has managed to rush for over 100 yards and four touchdowns, immediately establishing himself as one of the top mobile quarterbacks in the league.

Gruden knows that to avoid their first loss of the season, the Raiders will need to play at the top of their game against Newton. That's no easy task, especially considering that he is now teamed up with six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick.

"It's a tough operation," Gruden said. "It always is when you play against Cam Newton and the New England Patriots, and now that they've joined forces, it's double trouble for every defensive staff, every coach and every team that comes in there."