Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton stood out in his team’s minicamp this week. Head coach Ron Rivera made note that Newton’s footwork has improved, resulting in more accurate throws and more zip on the ball.
Rivera also mentioned that Newton had the best practice of his four-year career on Wednesday. With that said, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman addressed questions from The Charlotte Observer about the possibility that the team may have Newton run less to protect its investment:
“No. He’s got to be Cam. You don’t hold back a thoroughbred, you don’t,” Gettleman explained. “I don’t know if you watched the Belmont. When (American) Pharaoh came around that backstretch and that horse was nipping at his heels, the jockey let him go. He didn’t whip him. He’s just, ‘Go baby!’ And that’s what a thoroughbred does. You don’t change their game. You can’t do it.”
While Newton will continue to work on his passing accuracy, he will not be removed from his roots. Over his four years in the NFL, the 6-foot-6 quarterback has totaled 2,571 rushing yards and 33 scores on the ground.
After signing Newton to a five-year, $103 million extension earlier this offseason, the Panthers are banking on Newton leading them to a ton of success moving forward. During his four-year career in Carolina, Newton has led the team to one playoff win in three attempts.
Perhaps a championship appearance is in the cards at some point for the uniquely-skilled 26-year-old quarterback, who has a promising career ahead of himself.
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