Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton had a Sophomore Slump

By Rodney Coe
Carolina Panthers Cam Newton
John David Mercer-US Presswire

After winning the Heisman with the Auburn Tigers in 2010 and the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 2011, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton came out of the gate like Seattle Slew.

His rookie year was indeed impressive. Newton threw for 4,051 yards. He had 310 completions, with 517 attempts. Newton threw 21 touchdowns, and ran for 14 more touchdowns. At 22 years old, Newton’s passing stats looked more like Aaron Rodgers, or Peyton Manning.

Cam Newton also had 706 rushing yards. He had become the strong arm, running like the wind, prototype quarterback of the NFL.

Carolina’s record was a sub-par 6-10. But hey Jack, (Si Robertson quote) they had a fantastic franchise QB who was about to take them to the Promised Land. 2012 was going to be the parting of the Jordan River. Cam was going to lead his troops to the top of the NFC South.

2012 did not live up to those expectations. Carolina finished second, with a below average 7-9 record.

Cam Newton, in his NFL sophomore year, threw for 3,869 yards. He had 280 completions with 485 attempts. His completion percentage was down 2.3% as well as touchdowns (2011: 21, 2012: 19), but he threw seven fewer interceptions. Newton also rushed for 741 yards.

This isn’t indicative a sophomore slump. If anything, Newton stayed the same. Carolina finished 12th in total offense, scoring 22.3 points per game.

However, Carolina ranked 23rd in total defense giving up 22.7 points per game. If Carolina simply strengthens their defense next year, they could very well have a 10 win season, and a good wild card slot.

Newton will have a good junior season in the NFL. He’s got all the skills, and if surrounded with other talent, he is arguably a top ten quarterback. This year he could silence any doubters.

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