The New England Patriots are getting ready for their preseason opener against the Washington Football Team on Thursday night. Prior to the game, Patriots quarterback Cam newton and Washington head coach Ron Rivera enjoyed a heartfelt reunion, seeing each other after spending years together with the Carolina Panthers.

The duo had a world of success together with the Panthers before each went their separate ways, and clearly there doesn't seem to be any ill feelings towards one another ahead of Thursday's matchup in New England.

Newton has a lot to play for, especially after the Patriots selected Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Alabama quarterback has done well thus far, and there is a choice for Bill Belichick to make between Newton and Jones.

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As for Washington, they also have a quarterback decision to make. Dwayne Haskins headed for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the choice is boiling down to Ryan Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke.

The first preseason game is always a strange one, but it is a bit reassuring seeing Rivera and Newton embrace prior to the game, bringing back some flashbacks of those dangerous Panthers teams from years back.

Now, they are playing against each other.