Newton out of sophomore slump
Dec 10, 2012
Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers were written off weeks ago, cast aside in favor of the ongoing exploits of this year's rookie quarterback class and their playoff contending teams. There were only so many ways to dissect the excruciatingly close loses through October and discuss whether or not Newton actually had a future in the league.
The sideline demeanor. The towel on his head. The depressing theatre of his post game comments. The lack of self awareness when busting out the Superman pose. The clothing line. The comparisons to Vince Young. The Pro Bowl diva stories. All of it fair game for pundits who had their "told you so" takes sitting in the drafts folder, waiting for the sheen of Newton's record-breaking debut to fade.
But Newton has settled down in the second half of his sophomore season. It started in Washington with a mistake free performance that resulted in a win. Following a quick reversion against Denver, arguably one of the best teams in the AFC, Newton has strung together his best football in the last four games.
Newton completed over 60% of his passes for 1,077 yards and threw 8 touchdowns during the stretch. He's rushed for almost 300 yards and punched it in 3 times, including an incredible 72-yard rushing touchdown against Atlanta that has been looped on the highlight shows.
No interceptions. No fumbles. No word about the turnaround in last few weeks, which put Newton back on pace to match or exceed his rookie numbers.
Most of that has to do with the lost season in Charlotte. The Panthers were supposed to contend for a playoff spot, but that ship sailed long ago. While there is optimism for a strong finish, it's still a flawed Panthers squad with a nasty habit of allowing teams hang around. Even the most optimistic finish of 7-9 likely results in the dismissal of head coach Ron Rivera.
The bottom line -- Carolina's problems cannot be laid at the feet of an individual. That's difficult to process given the current quarterback culture of the NFL and Newton's slow maturation process. So let's throw in a little equal time when Newton answers the critics with his performance.
Most Recent Comments
Posted Dec 14, 3:07 p.m.
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Location: Clayton, NC
RE: Newton out of sophomore slump
Thank you! Haters gone hate. Go Panthers!- Posted by rherring23But I bet he can read and understand what he reads unlike you, but then again most 8th graders could read this article and understand it. You statement about 1 good game really shows your intelligence, or I should say lack of. The article clearly states in a 4 game span. But then again people looking for reasons to hate somebody usually aren't intelligent enough to understand anything that they read.One good game and he's out of the slump? I don't think so.- Posted by Obamacare lives on
Scam's only position will be tight end in another couple of years.
RE: Newton out of sophomore slump
It breaks my heart to see the team I've cheered for since they played at Clemson have such an irresponsible, unappreciative and super talented player as their frontman. The Superman pose not only makes Cam look bad, it makes the whole team and city look bad. Someone please tell him to grow up "act like he's been there before"!!!!RE: Newton out of sophomore slump
Its ok for Ryan to talk trash because he was pushed to do so. Ok, I get it. SMH!! I guess Kuechley wasnt talking trash. Wow you guys are so bias!- Posted by Toddler10-21
Of course it is because that's generally not his style. If Ryan was getting Panther lip for 4 quarters, and I'm willing to bet he was, I don't blame him at all, especially given the way the Panthers have been playing as a team this season. Anybody who follows football knows that was out of character for Ryan. Judging from what I've seen of the Panthers, they really shouldn't be giving lip service to any team at this point.
If I were going to pay to watch one team, I'd watch the Patriots. They play to win every game & they're a professional organization. Like their demeanor as they expect to win while other teams expect to....entertain. Brady may be the best ever & Welker has led the NFL in receptions since 2007. Two of my favs because they act like they've done it before. Nice team to watch.
RE: Newton out of sophomore slump
But I bet he can read and understand what he reads unlike you, but then again most 8th graders could read this article and understand it. You statement about 1 good game really shows your intelligence, or I should say lack of. The article clearly states in a 4 game span. But then again people looking for reasons to hate somebody usually aren't intelligent enough to understand anything that they read.One good game and he's out of the slump? I don't think so.- Posted by Obamacare lives on
Scam's only position will be tight end in another couple of years.
