Carolina Panthers: Starting the decade with some encouragement
By Alex Duran
The return of lethal duality
Last, but certainly not least, is the crown jewel of the team. Yes, it’s time to talk about it. If you can’t read the writing on the wall please allow me to read it for you: he’s coming back.
Whether you like it or not, the Carolina Panthers are a much better team with a healthy Cam Newton as their quarterback. Some of his teammates have already sounded off on the subject matter:
Gerald McCoy says that if the Panthers let a healthy Cam Newton walk, it would be the “dumbest thing they ever did.”
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) December 30, 2019
“There aren’t a lot of Cam Newtons walking around. In fact there are NO Cam Newtons walking around.”
More from Tre Boston on Cam: "There's no secret. If we keep that man healthy, this man is one of the best in the league.' Every year it is something with him. Why? Because he's one of the most hit quarterbacks in the league."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 30, 2019
There was a moment in every close game this year that we all know would have been ended decisively in our favor with a Cam hop or even a go-ahead connection to Olsen. The magic has not been there for quite some time, and now it’s due to return with a fierce vengeance.
This entire year was a learning experience for the team. They learned that Newton’s replacement is not currently on the roster, the run defense needs to improve, and fourth down plays work out better when there are multiple options.
This offseason will be full of heartbreaking losses, but it’ll provide a great perspective about what to look forward to. There are people who still want to be a part of the team and help win games. As much as the culture has lost its luster, it has not lost its importance to the stalwarts.
Newton has unfinished business with the Panthers, and next season he’ll have a legitimate chance to put blue polish on that silver finish.