Panthers quarterback Cam Newton showed off impressive running ability in Thursday night’s preseason loss to the Bengals, picking up 49 yards on four carries, including a 16-yard touchdown. But Newton wasn’t in a mood to celebrate that after the game.
Instead, Newton was upset with himself for completing just six of 19 passes, for 75 yards. Newton has completed just 40.4 percent of his passes through three weeks of the preseason, and his passer rating is 57.8.
Here is a quote from Cam about his performance:
“It’s unacceptable on my part,” Newton said. “That’s an embarrassing stat. I just have to make the proper reads. The safeties don’t lie to you, that’s what (quarterbacks) coach (Mike) Shula always teaches. Getting back and getting in a comfort zone because third-and-long is not a situation you want to be in. A check down is not a bad thing. I saw today with checking the ball down to DeAngelo (Williams) we can get positive things rolling and that everything doesn’t have to be to a receiver.”
Cam Newton has potential to be a pro bowl quarterback, but Carolina would better serve Cam following the Tennessee Oilers/Titans method of developing Steve McNair. Newton is an elite talent but to ask him to be competitive on the NFL level with only one year as a starter in Auburn while running the “spread” offense is putting him at a serious disadvantage to open his career.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera is expected to officially declare Newton the team’s Week 1 starter some time soon. Whether Newton is ready or not.