What were some critical observations from the performances and overall influence of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in 2021?
The last thing Carolina Panthers fans probably expected to see in 2021 was Cam Newton returning to the franchise. Sam Darnold’s injury and a clear lack of confidence in P.J. Walker forced the organization to do the unthinkable and go back to the former NFL MVP after mercilessly releasing the quarterback in favor of Teddy Bridgewater the year before.
This was an immensely popular decision. One that brought Panthers fans back on board after becoming increasingly disillusioned with the way things were transpiring in terms of results after such a promising 3-0 start.
However, it didn’t take long for the momentum to subside. Not even Newton could prevent the Panthers from free-falling into oblivion and NFL history by becoming the first team to lose 12 games after starting with three-straight successes.
Fairytales are just that more often than not. But what were some critical observations to take from Newton’s performance and influence during the 2021 season?
Critical Observation No. 1
Cam Newton is still idolized
This was pretty much known to most. But the level of interest and love showed towards Cam Newton upon his return was nothing short of remarkable, nonetheless.
This is a man who embodied the Keep Pounding mantra. Someone that propelled the Carolina Panthers into legitimate contention and the national media spotlight in the blink of an eye.
It might not have come with any wins from Newton’s starts.
But it wasn’t just about that.
Fans were scorned and deceived when the Auburn product was released the first time around. So getting to see someone they’ve never stopped idolizing turn out for Carolina once again was probably the highlight from another season of abject failure.
Cam Newton came back to a different Carolina Panthers
Although no teams were willing to give Cam Newton a chance following his release by the New England Patriots, it was still a risk for the signal-caller to come back. And it probably didn’t take long for the player to realize this was a completely different Carolina Panthers to the one he left behind.
Newton wasted no time in emerging as one of the true alphas within the locker room. The focus was on accountability and getting everyone singing from the same hymn sheet – something that Carolina was devoid of before his arrival.
However, this was not the same mindset of a roster that boasted the likes of Newton, Ryan Kalil, Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Thomas Davis. The former NFL MVP tried valiantly to alter the mentality and judging by his exit presser comments, he wasn’t exactly thrilled with the response.
"“I don’t think a lot of guys really bought into it. And when I say guys, I’m not throwing anybody under the bus. I won’t do that. But buying in isn’t just verbally committing. Buying in is being the pig and not the chicken. It’s the commitment level, it’s the actions. Your level of commitment Wednesday through Saturday through Sunday, in-game adjustments, the really, attention to details.”"
Nothing stays the same forever. And certainly not where life in the NFL is concerned.
Newton is used to something far different than what the Panthers had to offer in 2021. Whether he’ll be back for more is another matter entirely.
Cam Newton didn’t do enough to remove Sam Darnold from the equation
When Cam Newton came back and was named the starter for Week 11 at home to the Washington Football Team, it was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. A chance to show the Carolina Panthers they shouldn’t have let him go in the first place and re-announce himself on the NFL stage.
Although there were plenty of mitigating factors behind Newton’s lack of production under center, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Matt Rhule was going to install Sam Darnold as the No. 1 option as soon as he was ready.
This wasn’t what the fans wanted to hear.
But Newton didn’t do enough to remove Darnold from the equation.
One could suggest he would need to excel to a Pro Bowl level to alter Rhule’s train of thought regarding Darnold. The former Baylor man saw something in the troubled signal-caller to give up three draft picks to the New York Jets and he seemed more than happy to chop and change the most important position on the field after almost every Newton turnover.
Not exactly the best way to win football games.
Newton wasn’t the force of old, not by any stretch. However, he was arguably more efficient than Darnold in the grand scheme of things – no matter what the coaching staff would have you believe.
Cam Newton got closure
During his re-introductory press conference, Cam Newton stated this was not about some farewell tour. The quarterback was back to win football games for the Carolina Panthers and provide the fans something they’d been missing from the moment he departed.
That was the right attitude to have. But from the moment he was benched in favor of Sam Darnold, there was a more nostalgic feel to his media availability – especially over the final fortnight of the campaign.
Newton was in a reflective mood at his exit presser, stating that his return to Carolina provided him with some closure, which was clearly important to the player after the horrible way his first departure was handled by the new regime.
Although nobody is ruling out a return next season, it’s unlikely Newton would want to stay and backup Sam Darnold. That’s just not the way to go out after giving the organization so much since he was taken No. 1 overall out of Auburn.
"“I think everything in life, as you meditate and you find out about yourself, everything in life you don’t know what it is while you’re going through it. The whole synopsis of everything, I don’t necessarily know. But it was needed for me to come back. I think I got closure for a lot of different things, and yeah, I think it was very meaningful for my life and my career.”"
Newton gave Carolina every ounce of his being. A transcendent talent on the field who provided the community with so much inspiration that won’t soon be forgotten.
Cam Newton returned but deserved better
All the hype and the fanfare that came with Cam Newton’s sensational return to the Carolina Panthers didn’t amount to much success where it mattered most. But it’s worth remembering that the signal-caller was up against it and probably knew the sort of situation he was walking into.
No time to learn the playbook, a change in offensive coordinator midway through the bye week, an offensive line who couldn’t protect efficiently to save their lives, and a head coach that didn’t really exude confidence in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
The same applied to Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker – although they both had a full offseason to familiarize themselves and that’s why many believe Newton should get another shot in 2022.
Newton deserved better. The fans deserved better.
But whether Newton will be around when any potential changes take place is another matter entirely.
This move was set to save the season. However, it only papered over the cracks for a brief period, and the problems in Carolina run far deeper than whoever is under center on any given weekend.
If this was Newton’s final act with the Panthers, he can leave with his head held high. And make no mistake, his contributions will live through the ages.