Newton unlike any quarterback coached by Turner
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is unlike any quarterback coached by new offensive coordinator Norv Turner…
Coach Norv Turner sat at home during the 2017 NFL season for the first time in 32 years after being on the sidelines with a team in some capacity every year prior. Many speculated if he was truly retired and he stated it would take an ideal opportunity for a return to football. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers provided that chance as Turner signed on this offseason.
As new offensive coordinator, Turner is expected to bring a powerful offense with him to the Panthers. Newton is only a few seasons removed from an MVP campaign, Super Bowl appearance and general manager Marty Hurney has worked to increase the weapons surrounding him on offense.
The Panthers selected wide receiver D.J. Moore with their first pick this year, bolstering a receiver corps that also saw an addition of veteran Torrey Smith. Both, coupled with Devin Funchess and the return of a healthy Curtis Samuel should provide plenty of firepower for Newton to work with this season.
In the run game, a departure of Jonathan Stewart left a hole which was almost immediately filled with C.J. Anderson joining the team via free agency and second-year back Christian McCaffrey is expected to increase his workload.
All positive signs coupled with a player unlike any other in the league at quarterback. Turner told MMQB reporter Albert Breer that he has never worked with a quarterback quite like Newton.
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"“No,” Turner said, on the last day of the team’s spring work. “It’s an understatement to say [Newton is] very unique, and when he’s playing at his best, defensive coaches see him as one of the hardest guys in the league to defend. Now, I think we’ve added some guys that will help, so they can’t totally zero in on Cam and just have a plan for him. We have some guys that have good playmaking skills and are going to help us.”"
Last year Newton missed a majority of the preseason recovering from shoulder surgery and was limited all through training camp. This year, he is healthy and able to fully immerse himself into the offensive playbook of Turner.
The combination of both joining forces has fans of the Panthers excited about the opportunities this season and opposing defensive coordinators wondering what to expect.
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If Newton can successfully raise his completion rate and make quicker decisions – two focal points for Turner – then the sky is the limit in 2018.