Part 3 of a position-by-position Panthers’ training camp preview. Who’s a lock, who will be in a battle and who’s a long shot?
When the Panthers arrive in Spartanburg at the end of the month, the biggest difference from last year will be a healthier Cam Newton. 2014’s tumultuous ride is in Newton’s rearview mirror, and as the NFL’s newest $100-million man, he’ll be expected to take a big step forward this season.A career 59.5 percent passer, Newton has set a goal of improving to 65-70 percent. That leap may seem steep, but coach Ron Rivera believes Newton could get there if he does a better job taking what the defense gives him:[blockquote type=”left”]”Part of it is learning you don’t have to make a big play every time. He wants to make the play downfield; he likes the splash play. With his ability to stay upright, I think he tends to stick with a guy a little too long. I think he’s learning, ‘If I don’t got it right now, let me just go ahead and just give it to one of our guys, let him catch and run.'”[/blockquote]As far as the group of quarterbacks goes, the question going into camp is: Will the Panthers keep three again?
| Name | Year | Games/Starts | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derek Anderson | 11 | 65/45 | 32 | 6-6 | 230 |
| Cam Newton | 5 | 62/62 | 26 | 6-5 | 245 |
| Joe Webb | 6 | 40/4 | 28 | 6-4 | 235 |
Locked In
Newton, Derek AndersonAnderson enters his fifth season as Newton’s backup, and as the Panthers found out in two wins over the Bucs last year, the former Browns and Cardinals starter is great to have in a pinch.
Facing a Fight
Joe WebbWebb earned a spot last year as Newton insurance. His versatility was also a big plus. He never attempted a pass in 28 snaps, but he caught a 16-yard reception. Webb also pitched in on special teams with a couple kickoff returns and a vital tackle in the season finale against the Falcons. If he makes the 53-man roster, it’ll be because he’s a special teams guy who could play quarterback if needed
Coming Monday: Receivers