What are the major observations regarding Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s performance at the Miami Dolphins in Week 12?
The stakes could not have been any higher for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. Sunday’s game at the Miami Dolphins was do-or-die in terms of their playoff hopes, so it was absolutely essential this team rose to the occasion before their long-awaited bye next weekend.
Newton‘s made an impressive start to life back in Carolina following his sensational return. His mere presence has injected life into an organization that looked destined for mediocrity once again, but games like this are why the Panthers opted to re-sign the former NFL MVP in the first place.
Miami’s defense is physical and blitz-happy. Something we saw plenty of as they mauled the Panthers and Newton throughout.
Without further ado, here are five major observations from Newton’s performance at the Dolphins in Week 12.
Observation No. 1
Cam Newton is the undisputed leader, whatever good that’s doing
It was trending in this direction from the moment Cam Newton arrived back on the Carolina Panthers. But there is now no doubt whatsoever that he is the undisputed leader of this team.
Whether it was motivating his teammates prior to the game or providing guidance and encouragement during the contest, Newton is clearly taking this responsibility very seriously and, more importantly, aiming to change the dynamic across the organization.
This is a small part of what Newton brings to the table. However, considering how morale was before he joined, it’s been welcome and essential in equal measure.
Cam Newton’s important 1st quarter drive
Things got off to the worst possible start for the Carolina Panthers. A couple of drops by D.J. Moore resulted in a three-and-out, which was swiftly followed by a blocked punt that saw the Miami Dolphins recover and score.
An absolute disaster whichever way one looks at it.
But one thing the Panthers now have is a quarterback in Cam Newton who’ll be unfazed by anything going on around him.
This was evident on the very next drive. One that Carolina had to steady the ship on.
It all started with a huge third-down gain when Newton’s audible pre-snap proved successful, with the signal-caller protected well and unleashing a dime to Moore as the wideout atoned for his earlier errors.
Just a few short plays later, Newton ran the football in for a touchdown after a head’s up play from right guard Trent Scott to level things up.
Momentum was slipping away from the Panthers even at this early stage. However, Newton’s control under center is a calming influence that simply wasn’t there when Sam Darnold manned the plate.
Cam Newton’s ugly 2nd quarter
Nothing lasts forever. And the second quarter saw the two ugliest sequences of Cam Newton’s second stint with the Carolina Panthers by far.
Newton’s first error was an interception by rookie Jevon Holland early in the second quarter. The signal-caller underthrew Robby Anderson and although D.J. Moore checked inside on his route early, the throw was disappointing, to say the least.
Carolina’s defense managed to keep them from scoring on that particular series. But the former Auburn star dished out his second pick on the next series when he gambled on a short window in Moore’s direction that was intercepted by All-Pro Xavien Howard.
This time, the Miami Dolphins made them pay with a Jaylen Waddle score.
It was pretty disjointed on offense during the second quarter. A lack of involvement for Christian McCaffrey in the passing game thanks to an ankle injury was a blow and something that didn’t exactly help Newton’s cause.
However, the quarterback holds himself to a high standard, so Newton will know more than anyone this wasn’t good enough by any stretch of the imagination.
To make matters worse, the Dolphins took a 21-10 lead into the break, leaving Newton and the Panthers with a mountain to climb.
Cam Newton’s timing was way off
This isn’t an easy situation for Cam Newton. He is still adjusting to a new playbook and working on developing chemistry with his wide receivers with minimal time to do it.
It’s clearly a timing issue. And once the Miami Dolphins turned up the heat on Newton, everything became rushed and out of sync.
That is never a recipe for success.
There isn’t a great deal of confidence within the Carolina Panthers right now. Things just aren’t clicking in an efficient way and although Newton moved the needle to a certain extent, he can only do so much.
Perhaps things might have been different had the Panthers made this move sooner. But they’ll just have to make do right now and at least Newton gets a longer chance to adjust during the bye week.
Even though the games after it might not matter all that much.
Once Miami smelled blood after Newton’s two interceptions, it was always going to be difficult. The offensive line reverted to the unit we saw plenty of during the first half of the campaign, which left Newton all at sea distributing the football.
A bad day at the office for all concerned. Simple as that, really.
Cam Newton benched, but the problems run deeper
The Carolina Panthers made a move to bench Cam Newton in the fourth quarter. Perhaps head coach Matt Rhule wanted a spark from P.J. Walker, or it might have had something to do with the staff knowing this game was beyond them.
However, Walker was sacked twice and picked once on his first series. A microcosm of how things transpired on another dismal afternoon for Carolina that’s ended any slim hopes they had of reaching the postseason.
There is much work to do. But the problems are far bigger than Newton, Walker, or whoever is under center.
Newton finished the game with a 23.8 percent completion success rate for 92 passing yards, two interceptions, one rushing touchdown, and a passer rating of just 5.8, according to ESPN.
The honeymoon period is now over for Newton. What comes next is of critical importance.
This was a bold move by the organization to bring him back. Even though it did have something of a desperate feel to it despite the romance.
Newton is an upgrade and has the talent. But unless other elements improve then no quarterback walking the earth is going to make a go of things in Carolina.
It’s a sloppy operation. And some big changes could be on the way sooner rather than later.