4 critical observations from Cam Newton’s performance at the Bills
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton was not helped by OL production
This is something that’s become a running theme for the Carolina Panthers in recent years. Just why the organization continues to overlook the offensive line as a matter of urgency is bemusing and another lackluster effort at the Buffalo Bills played a leading role in their eventual demise.
Until this situation gets resolved, it doesn’t matter who is under center.
It’s that simple really.
Cam Newton has as much faith in the protection in front of him as every fan. This doesn’t help when it comes to setting his feet and the quarterback was either brought down, under significant pressure or running for his life on countless occasions against a stout Buffalo front seven who knew exactly how to turn up the heat.
This is what happens when a team is reliant on underachieving veterans and refuses to develop their young talent. Deonte Brown was inactive and Brady Christensen spent most of the game on the bench – but how much worse could the rookie duo be compared to what the Panthers churned out on Sunday and throughout the season.
It was the same for Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker. The same is happening for Newton and the offensive line continues to handicap the team no matter what sort of opposition they’re coming up against.
Big changes are needed. Carolina cannot afford to ignore this area any longer.