Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has started slow out of the gate this season. Through three games, the former NFL MVP is averaging less than 200 passing yards and has thrown two touchdowns compared to four interceptions.
It’s been an absolutely abysmal performance from the quarterback after he underwent off-season shoulder surgery.
Now comes this report from Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman indicating that some officials within the Panthers’ organization believe that Newton’s body is already starting to break down.
“That comes with a cost. Some team officials told B/R that when they watch Newton they feel he’s breaking down physically—fast,” Freeman reported. “To be fair, these officials haven’t talked to Newton’s doctors, so much of this is speculation.”
There’s a major disconnect between experts on why Newton has struggled thus far this season. Some say he’s rusty after missing the team’s entire off-season program. Others believe that the Panthers’ offensive line has played a role here. Newton has been sacked 10 times in three games.
Though, one common theme is that Newton returned to the field prior to being 100 percent healthy.
But considering that the former No. 1 pick has continued to find himself playing behind a disastrous offensive line, that could be one of the major reasons some within the Panthers’ organization believe he’s already breaking down from a physical standpoint.
At just 28 years old, the hope here is that Newton’s best days are not behind him. However, there’s obvious concern that something just isn’t right physically.