Cam Newton’s second Panthers run time could help bolster former MVP’s future Hall of Fame case

Orange Newton largely known for three things. Former Heisman Trophy winner and tournament MVP is an explosive athlete, playing midfield in a way few players have ever played in the position. Newton is mostly known for his colorful, outgoing personality, appearing at encounter celebrations as well as in his pre- and post-match outfits. Controversy is also part of Newton’s story, from his leaving Florida, recruiting the Auburnians, insensitive comments was made for a female reporter during a 2017 press conference, and his lack of urgency during a grovel near the end of Carolina’s loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50.

Once seen as a push to be in the future inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Newton’s career has largely gone downhill since his 2015 MVP season. He hasn’t made a Pro Bowl. since his MVP season, when he led Panthers 15-1 regular season record. Since 2015, Newton has only had a season with a winning record. Injuries contributed to Newton’s decline in output, as he missed much of the 2019 season with a Lisfranc fracture.

Newton’s solitary season in New England was successful in many ways. Support a continuous team (the Patriots leading the league in the COVID-19 opt-out), Newton finished 7-8 as a starter while completing nearly 66% of his passes. At 31, Newton had one of the fastest quarterbacks in league history, with 592 yards and 12 touchdowns. But Newton’s lack of touchdown passes – a fair criticism – made more headlines in New England, where fans were accustomed to watching Tom Brady’s greatness for two full decades.

Newton’s time in New England ended with his release before the start of the regular season. And after failing to sign up for the first half of the regular season, it’s reasonable to wonder if the once-human standout will play his meaningful finale.

Everything changed last week, when the Panthers – the team that released Newton in March 2020 – signed him to help salvage a season that started with a lot of promise. Injuries took a toll on Carolina’s 3-0 start, as Carolina won only one of her last six games before signing Newton. Ironically, the final loss came against Newton’s other former team, the Patriots, who held Carolina’s unsuccessful game by a mere 6 points in an 18-point loss.

At the start of his second chapter in Carolina, Newton was quick to inform anyone who was listening that his signing was not a novelty. Newton returns to help the Panthers save their season.

Newton’s impact was felt in last Sunday’s surprising victory Quantity, who entered the game as the NFC top seed team. Newton started the game with a 2-yard touchdown. In the Panthers’ next possession, Newton hit a 2-yard touchdown pass to the Robby Anderson. Before the Cardinals could blink, Newton scored two touchdowns while giving the Panthers a 14-0 lead. The Panthers never lost momentum on the move back to .500. The 34-10 win also puts the Panthers ahead Eagle in the NFC South division rankings. Carolina also gained support Saints and Sugarcane seller, who lost their respective matches on Sunday.

Due to his lack of experience in the Panthers’ system, Newton played only 12% of Carolina’s offensive runs. But his energy and production in his limited role infected his new teammates, who contributed that momentum to the team’s most impressive win in two seasons. award by Matt Rhule in Carolina.

“It was a blast. It was fun,” the Panthers ran back Christian McCaffrey talk about playing with Newton again, via Joseph Person of The Athletic. “The energy he brings is unlike anyone I have ever met.

“It’s been clear this whole week the story of Cam. One thing I’ve seen in Cam is no different from anything I’ve seen before: He’s here to win. People are here to win. … I thought today was a good example of what kind of team we could be.”

As well as helping to revive their season (the Panthers would be the seventh and final seed of the NFC if the post-season kicks off today), Newton reminded everyone on Sunday of the talent his unconventional dual midfield role. Newton will no doubt continue to remind everyone of his unique skill set as he continues to adapt more to the Panthers offense.

Newton also reminds the football world that his presence, along with his talent, is one of the reasons why he is one of the NFLthe best players in nearly a decade. And if he can help lift the Panthers to their first post-season landing since 2017, it will be another feather on Newton’s post-game hat as far as Pro Football Hall prospects are concerned. of Fame in his future.