Debunking the myth surrounding Cam Newton’s arm strength issues
By Dean Jones
What the tape shows about Cam Newton.
The tape doesn’t lie. And although Cam Newton did display show signs of regression with the New England Patriots in 2020, it’s easy to forget that he was playing at an extremely high level before contracting COVID-19 – something he never really got over and it showed.
Newton certainly looked the part in training camp, with his deep-ball prowess coming to the fore on more than one occasion.
However, it was COVID-19 once again that proved to be Newton’s undoing. Getting the virus for a second time and allowing Mac Jones to gain meaningful reps over a five-day period played a signifcant part in his eventual release, leaving him without a home for a considerable period before joining the Carolina Panthers after Sam Darnold’s poor production and injury.
Things were kept pretty basic for Newton during his nine plays in Week 10. But there was one opportunity for the quarterback to air it out that ended with an incompletion in D.J. Moore’s direction.
Of all the problems with the throw, it doesn’t appear to be an arm issue. It’s incomplete because of timing above anything else.
Not entirely unexpected considering Newton had little practice time before taking the field in a competitive setting. Something that will hopefully improve with additional reps this week.
Newton has a chip on his shoulder.
A real point to prove.
And that is nothing but good news for the Panthers.
If the quarterback can inspire confidence, keep the energy high and make plays when it counts in whatever form, then a playoff spot won’t be far behind. Newton is an alpha and if the arm is where it needs to be, the sky is the limit.