Panthers quarterback Cam Newton showing he’s ready to lead-djkfmvf0424
After quarterback Cam Newton had what I consider to be the best rookie season by any NFL player at any position, you might think the Carolina Panthers wouldn’t want him to change one bit. Panthers Jersey
In fact, however, they are excited that he seems a little different. Listen to Panthers coach Ron Rivera, who talked with Newton this week after the veterans reported to Bank of America Stadium Monday for offseason workouts.
A different person? That’s a strong statement. And that, to me, was one of the most interesting things said when the Panthers held their annual pre-draft news conference Thursday.
Now this is me saying this and not Rivera, but I’d say the Panthers got about everything they could possibly have imagined out of Newton in 2011 – except for consistent leadership.
Newton was an absolute stunner last season. He accounted for 35 touchdowns (14 rushing, 21 passing) – the most TDs by a rookie in NFL history. His strong work ethic was a pleasant surprise. And at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds, he ran through and over enough defensive backs that he started making players think twice about where and how to tackle him once he got past a defense’s first level.
But Newton also had a tendency to look like he was brooding on the sidelines or in the locker room, often shielding his head with a Gatorade towel, when things were going poorly for a team that ended up 6-10. He could get so involved in his private pain that he had a hard time shaking his whole team by the shoulder pads and saying,”C’mon! We’re going to fix this.”
Of course, he was only 22 years old. It’s not easy to lead older guys when you are a rookie. Newton deferred to offensive leaders like tackle Jordan Gross and wide receiver Steve Smith.
But Newton is so charismatic. So athletic. And he plays the game’s most important position.”I know his teammates are gravitating to him,”Rivera said.
That’s the thing. They want to be led. They all know it makes the most sense for the quarterback – the one voice in the huddle on every down – to also be the primary motivator. It’s cleaner–and clearer-that way.
This offseason has been a mixture of work and play for Newton. He worked out with teammates at two sites in Florida. He read a poem he wrote to Auburn fans. He picked up some awards. He has not–so far–done anything this offseason that has merited a negative headline. You always worry about that with any 22-year-old millionaire.
Rivera and Newton will always be linked at the hip. Newton was Rivera’s first-ever draft choice, and they debuted as starting quarterback and head coach together in 2011. So maybe Rivera is seeing what he wants to see.
But I don’t think so. Rivera’s judgment on leadership is sound. I think he’s seeing something in Newton that Newton is really trying to put in place in Year Two.
Because Newton will need to move this team this year by the run and the pass, yes. But he also will need to move it more with his words and actions.
It sounds like this week has been a good start for him. Now he needs to do it consistently, in good times and bad.
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