The_Guardian_-_2016-12-29

eplacement, Tyler Larsen, is a journeyman and has consistently been exposed by opposing defenders.
So Newton’s offensive line went from a major problem in 2015 to a complete disaster in 2016. But
even that might have been something he could have overcome if Kelvin Benjamin hadn’t proven to be
a slower Ted Ginn upon his return from injury, or if Newton was still the same threat as a runner.
Benjamin’s inconsistency and apparent lack of effort has been frustrating but not surprising based on
what he did during his rookie season. Newton’s lessened running threat on the other hand was an inseason
development. In Week 4, Newton suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons. He sat out
the following game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before returning in Week 6. Twenty-nine of
Newton’s 87 rushing attempts came in those 3.5 games. He gained 147 yards (5.1 yards per attempt)
and scored two touchdowns on those 29 carries. In the 10 games he has played since being
concussed, Newton has amassed 206 yards and scored three touchdowns on 58 attempts (3.6 yards
per attempt). Designed quarterback runs were a focal point for the Panthers over the first month of the
season but since then the play calling has largely been more traditional. Newton is still a running
threat in redzone situations but even when he scrambles he is sliding much earlier than in previous
seasons.
With that previous concussion, poor protection by officials and a shoulder injury that has lingered
throughout the season, it’s no surprise that the Panthers are protecting their most prized asset.
Carolina haven’t been in realistic playoff contention for a while now and their defensive issues make
it easier to prioritize Newton’s health over giving themselves the best chance to win games.
It’s fair to say that Newton himself hasn’t played with the same consistency that he did last year. That
was also to be expected because it would be very difficult for Newton to maintain the consistency
and quality he showed with arguably the worst supporting cast in the league last season. Newton is
still a great player and has had a very good season on the whole, it’s just not been an MVP year.
This article was downloaded by calibre from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/dec/28/cam-newtonstruggles-2016-season-carolina-panthers
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