CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers goes after Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Cam Newton had shoulder surgery this offseason and is off to a bit of a rough start as his Carolina Panthers seek a win in 2019.
Cam Newton is the one player that makes things go for the Carolina Panthers.
As of right now he is still seeking his first touchdown pass in 2019.
Newton has been struggling all night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first true Thursday Night Football game of the year. To be fair, it is never easy to play on a short week. Especially for a player with such an injury history.
But he has not looked like himself, at least through three quarters. He is standing in the pocket too long, missing throws, and not being his normal explosive self.
The good thing is that Newton is not being forced to run the ball too much. Yet that is when he is most explosive. Perhaps that is a part of the problem.
Newton having nearly 300 passing yards through three quarters is a good sign. The problem is that he didn’t throw a touchdown Week 1 and is seeking one in Week 2.
Week 2 is rather early to start calling for mass panic. Even if Newton finishes with a touchdown, there are still concerns. The New Orleans Saints remain the favorites in the NFC South, while the Atlanta Falcons should factor in as the next closest competitor.
If Newton is not his best, that puts more pressure on Christian McCaffrey. Then on the defense and so on.
The Panthers ending up 0-2 isn’t the end of the world. But Newton showing signs of decline as this point in time creates a situation where the Panthers have to make a tough decision regarding the future of the franchise.
Not to cause panic or anything like that. It’s only Week 2.