Panthers: Newton productivity to increase
Is it possible for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to be more productive…
When the Carolina Panthers struggle, quarterback Cam Newton is often to blame. Whether those accusations are warranted is often a matter of opinion because there is no arguing with his overall production over the course of his career to this point.
In seven NFL seasons, the Panthers have won three divisional titles and been to the playoffs four times. Carolina has appeared in a Super Bowl, the second in franchise history, and Newton earned MVP honors for his performance during the 2015 season.
Yes, football is a team game but if you’re quick to point out that Newton is solely not responsible for any of the above accomplishments, then don’t put the blame squarely on his shoulders during a bad performance or down season.
New coordinator Norv Turner is excited about the possibilities for Newton and opposing teams now have no idea what to expect from the Panthers offense. Turner becomes the third coordinator to work with Newton in the NFL but this is the first overhaul of the Panthers offensive scheme since his transition into the league as a rookie.
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Rob Chudzinski was the coordinator during Newton’s first two seasons but Mike Shula served as quarterback coach before taking over for the previous five years. Under Shula, Carolina enjoyed a lot of success overall but the past two seasons left much to be desired from an offensive standpoint.
Enter Turner and a shift from the zone-read to a more run-pass option based system. Plays designed to help Newton get rid of the ball quickly and reduce unnecessary hits on the quarterback to keep him healthy and upright during the year.
Newton enters OTAs and minicamp without any limitation, unlike last season when he missed nearly all preseason work due to rotator cuff surgery. According to ESPN staff writer David Newton, Turner argues that Newton is one of the most difficult individuals to defend and that his production could increase next season.
"“I see Cam as a guy that can be in the mid- to high-60s in the completion percentage … To me, Cam is one of the three or four — if not the hardest — guys to defend in the league … Coaches spend extra time when they play against Cam Newton because he can beat you in so many different ways. Our intention is to expand on those things that he can do well and things he may not have been exposed to yet.”"
A more productive Newton after a healthy and refreshed offseason is expected and something that is sure to have opposing team’s scrambling to prepare for this year.