Cam Newton right to focus on winning and not his future

Cam Newton is right to focus on getting the Carolina Panthers back on track and not the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback’s future.

The time has come for the Carolina Panthers to show some fight and start trying to salvage something from their 2021 season. A complete capitulation following such an eye-catching start has seen playoff hopes become non-existent and significant questions could emerge regarding the direction of the franchise if things go as expected over the final four games.

Accountability has been a core message within the Panthers since Cam Newton made his bombshell return in time for Week 10 at the Arizona Cardinals. But this hasn’t translated into a consistent run of performances when it counts and the blame game is well underway as Matt Rhule and some players look to take the heat of their respective performances.

Newton has struggled on occasions. But considering how he’s still learning the playbook and working with one hand tied behind his back in terms of Carolina’s scheme in front of an offensive line that cannot protect sufficiently, it’s not surprising.

Whether this picks up at the Buffalo Bills has yet to be determined. However, all signs point to it being a tough ask for Carolina and something that’s reflected in the 10.5 spread according to the latest odds from WynnBET.

Cam Newton calling for urgency from himself and the Carolina Panthers.

Newton will be fully aware of what’s at stake down the stretch. How he performs could largely determine his future with the Panthers beyond this season, but the former NFL MVP is right to only focus on the now and let the chips fall where they may when competitive action concludes.

"“I’m just trying to find a way to win. I’m very comfortable. I came in comfortable. I think that’s the issue now, is we need to start playing with a sense of urgency, and that starts with numero uno, myself. And I plan on playing with that. Protecting the football, taking the keys to the game, and executing. But enough of the verbals, it’s time for the actions.”"

This was a rudderless ship before Newton returned.

Although becoming the leader quickly could make him the scapegoat if things keep trending on a downward curve, it’s a sacrifice Newton is clearly willing to make.

That’s called leadership.

Something that’s sorely lacking from top to bottom in Carolina.

All Newton can do is build with each passing week. Hopefully, that will be enough despite Rhule’s insistence to go with a two-quarterback approach that could get even more complicated with Sam Darnold back on the practice field.

If the Auburn product shows signs of life against high-quality opposition during the next month, then the Panthers would be wise to offer him a new deal and focus their attention on improving other areas of the roster.

And who knows, perhaps 2022 will see Newton become something like the force of old with a full offseason under his belt.

Winning is all that matters to Newton.

That’s the way he’s always been, really.

This mentality is only going to help. But any slight regression from Newton’s point of view could give Rule the excuse he needs to let him go for a second time.

The stakes are high. But the Panthers don’t have a better quarterback than Newton on the team right now and we all know his preference for finding something extra when people are writing him off.