Panthers: Newton continuing to run will benefit offense
The Carolina Panthers will continue to run their franchise quarterback, Cam Newton, next season…
Former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula attempted to protect quarterback Cam Newton by forming him into more of a pocket passer last season. As the season progressed it became increasingly evident that Carolina was not going to be successful with Newton anchored in the pocket.
Injuries to tight end Greg Olsen, wide receiver Curtis Samuel and a relatively young group of wide receivers left much of the burden on Newton to move the football himself. With no receiving threat to stretch the field, opposing defenses stacked the line of scrimmage initially keeping running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey bottled up.
Eventually the Panthers allowed Newton more freedom to run and at times he even called his own number on quarterback bootlegs, gaining significant yardage. By the end of the year, Newton led the team in rushing on seven separate occasions. After averaging just five carries a game through the first five weeks of the season, Newton finished with 10 runs per game on average the rest of the way.
Despite criticism of his footwork and a perceived inability to complete passes with any consistency, Newton has already proven capable of beating teams both through the air and on the ground. In 2015, Newton completed nearly 60-percent of his passes for 3,837 yards and 35 touchdowns. This past season was almost identical with just five less completions on three fewer pass attempts, albeit for five hundred less yards.
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The Panthers offense is obviously missing a deep receiving threat but limiting Newton to being a pocket passer is not an answer. Although, many quarterbacks have proven capable of winning the Super Bowl from the pocket – Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Drew Brees, to name a few – Newton is an entirely different type of athlete.
In a recent interview with the official team website, the Panthers new quarterback coach offered the following comments on Newton’s style of play.
"“He’s going to run – that’s what makes him the dynamic player he is – but also making the throws in the pocket, going through his reads. All of those things come from experience, and he’s played seven seasons now … He doesn’t need changing; he just needs to be the best version of Cam Newton.”"
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He can win utilizing both traits, there is evidence at every level and if new offensive coordinator Norv Turner and son, Scott, push the right buttons, a Lombardi Trophy will soon reside in Charlotte.