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Cam Newton has never been known as an “elite” quarterback like Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. However this year, it all changed and it’s fair to say that Cam Newton has changed too. Maybe it was a shift in his confidence, a rise in his abilities, or even just a complete change off the field. Regardless of what happened with Newton, it looks like the new and improved Cam Newton is on his way to being one of the “elite” ones and could even be one of the best if not the best QBs in the NFC South right now and is leading one of the few undefeated NFL teams in the league right now. The question is when did Cam Newton become the quarterback he always believed he could be instead of the college quarterback who had all the potential, but it never translated to the pros?
One thing that Newton has really improved on is his decision-making. Newton has been known for running any chance he gets, but this year, he has decided to slow down and think a little more. Instead of seeing running as his first option, Newton has started to see the error of his ways. At first, he relied so much on his athletic ability instead of focusing on the rest of the team, something that Newton has grown to appreciate. That’s not to say that Newton didn’t appreciate the rest of the team, but that he believed in himself just a little bit more. That has all changed though and it shows especially in terms of stats.
A concern that many had about Newton was his lack of maturity and his “Superman” celebration didn’t seem to help matters at all. However this year, Newton seems different and even the fight with CB Josh Norman has been seamlessly forgotten about. Newton’s ability to lead his team is what’s causing them to win games, especially during the fourth quarter.
Last week’s game against the Seahawks is a perfect example of this because it looked like Seattle was going to end the Panthers undefeated streak, but Newton saw his tight end Greg Olsen in the end zone, connected with him and the Panthers remained undefeated. Fourth quarter comebacks are something that every quarterback wishes they could do and a talent that many can’t perfect, but Newton has shown that he’s just as capable as someone like Peyton Manning to be able to lead a comeback when his team needs him.
Cam Newton is a completely new quarterback and that makeover is exactly what the Panthers needed. They needed the leader that Newton is now and even with his top target out, Newton is still able to make plays which is what great quarterbacks do. If Newton’s season this year is an indication of what’s to come for his career, everyone better watch out because Newton is slowly but surely taking the NFL by storm.
