Is Matt Rhule setting Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton up to fail?

Is head coach Matt Rhule setting Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton up to fail?

The honeymoon period is now over for Cam Newton. The Carolina Panthers quarterback’s last two performances haven’t been up to the required standard, although it was always going to be difficult for the signal-caller coming into the organization so late in the season and with momentum trending in the wrong direction.

Newton‘s bombshell return completely ignited everyone associated with the franchise. Things got off to a good start at the Arizona Cardinals, but the former NFL MVP is 0-3 as a starter and the Panthers are now staring at another campaign of mediocrity or worse despite a promising opening to the year that saw Carolina with a 3-0 record at one stage.

It doesn’t appear as if head coach Matt Rhule has any sort of confidence in Newton. The head coach is looking for any excuse to put P.J. Walker into the game and there is even the prospect of Sam Darnold coming into the equation after the former USC star was designated to return from the reserve/injured list on Wednesday.

During his media availability this week, Rhule was once again critical of Newton for his two turnovers against the Atlanta Falcons. Although the hand-off that went wrong wasn’t exactly his fault upon examining the tape.

Cam Newton and P.J. Walker will be used in tandem by the Carolina Panthers.

Rhule added that the Panthers are going to move forward with a two-quarterback scheme. Something he doesn’t want to do, apparently. But using one signal-caller “just not where we are at right now”.

This just reeks of setting Newton up to fail.

One has to wonder whether it was Rhule or team owner David Tepper that wanted him back, with the team also reportedly calling the Philadelphia Eagles to enquire about Gardner Minshew before pulling the trigger on Newton, according to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network.

It was a gamble from Newton to build bridges and learn on the fly with significant expectations on his shoulders. A dismal offensive line and firing Joe Brady during the bye didn’t exactly help matters, so not allowing him to play all the snaps to further develop chemistry and timing just seems bizarre at this juncture.

Especially as the Panthers have nothing left to play for besides pride, one suspects.

The last four games are tough, there’s no getting away from that. In an ideal world, the Panthers should use them as a firm audition for Newton to earn an extended stay with the franchise beyond the current campaign.

Rhule already knows what he has in Walker.

And he definitely knows that Darnold cannot be relied upon.

This is a microcosm of the poor management of personnel since Rhule came on board. Chopping and changing the most important position on the field is not a recipe for success and the sooner Carolina comes up with a long-term plan, the better.

Newton is not the same force that dominated the league in the mid-2010s. But he is easily the best option available right now.

Taking him out after every turnover or if Rhule feels a certain situation needs Walker is unacceptable. This isn’t a winning formula and it hasn’t had anything like a positive effect over the last two games.

Patience is wearing thin with Rhule. If he mishandles Newton’s situation for a second time, then the repercussions will be severe and all remaining faith in the coach is going to disintegrate.