A fter an offseason full of doom-and-gloom nationally and locally, all of a sudden, reasonable things are being written about the Panthers. It’s unlikely to become a trend, but since it’s easy to point out pieces full of holes, more evenhanded posts deserve attention as well.
Tuesday, we featured Greg Gabriel’s Panthers’ preview for the National Football Post. Now, there’s this from Bleacher Report’s Ty Schalter: Has Cam Newton Already Reached His Peak?
The title is click bait — and many still have issues with BR in general — but let’s try to look past all that for now. Before you read the piece, here’s a few highlights that make it different from most articles written about Newton:
- “Armchair psychoanalysts may disagree, but as an armchair general manager I see a very young quarterback progressing nicely.” — Whether it’s highly-informed media, or fans, ultimately we’re all sitting in armchairs.
- “His completion, touchdown and interception rate have all gotten better with time. Newton’s decision-making, execution and efficiency as a passer have markedly improved since his rookie season.” — So Mike Shula hasn’t ruined Newton?!
- “Why would Newton get gun-shy with downfield passes and take more sacks even as he saw the field better and threw more accurately? Maybe because there was nobody to throw to?” — Perhaps too simplified, but there’s a good point in there.
- “Newton’s done most of his development as a passer in his 48 career NFL starts, and his receivers have been getting worse all the while.” — Same as above.
- “At this point, every football fan should get the idea that quarterbacks don’t boom or bust in a vacuum.” — Yet, sadly.
- “The point here isn’t to blame Newton’s supporting cast for his lack of progress, but to point out he has progressed despite his receiving corps going the other direction.” — More reasoned thinking. Seriously, who let Ty on the Internet?
- “Franchise quarterbacks make their teammates better. They paper over cracks in the roster. They turn losses into wins with great games, or even one great play at just the right time. Cam Newton is not always that guy, not quite yet.” — Panthers’ fans have been craving for fair assessments, especially from national writers. That last line is completely fair.
A couple nitpicks:
- “When playing the role of NFL franchise quarterback on the sidelines and in front of the press, he often confounds our expectations and fluffs his clichéd lines.” — He certainly botches clichés, but Newton hasn’t been this guy since mid-2012.
- “Failing to have Peyton Manning’s personality has drawn Newton savage personal attacks.” — Sure, Manning is fine on all his commercials, and this SNL skit will never not be funny, but the NFL isn’t necessarily a one-personality-fits-all league. Newton’s charisma can make him a huge star. Many will never let go of whatever happened at Auburn, but he has transcendent potential. Of course, in order for that to be fully realized, he has to win — often, and when it matters. But a reminder — he’s still just 25.
BBR NUGGETS
- Is Chase Blackburn’s son the future of U.S. soccer? — Twitter
- Training camp schedule is finally official. Complete Fan Fest details are still unclear. — Panthers.com
- Another fair Newton assessment. Chris Wesseling ranks QBs. — NFL.com
- Jason Williams shares another workout. — Instagram
- Those training masks are a bit scary looking. — Instagram
- But they’re apparently a thing right now. — Instagram
- Mike Mitchell’s new chip. — ESPN.com
- Rashad McCants. Mentioning Newton. To TMZ. Arguing against the NCAA. While wearing a UNC hat. — TMZ