The topsy-turvy world of Cam Newton as the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers continues to evolve. Newton can frustrate Carolina Panthers fans at times. Will they get the one time MVP or will they get the guy who does not complete 50 percent of his passes.
The one consistent thing about Newton is his inconsistency. That all seems to be changing this year as Newton has put up solid outing after solid outing since Week One and has Carolina off to a 5-2 start. Last week’s 36-21 victory over Baltimore and it’s top rated defense may have been his best of the season. Newton finished 21-of-29 for 219 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a passer rating of 116.9. He was also the game’s leading rusher, carrying the ball 10 times for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Cam Newton
Newton was in control throughout, connecting with eight different targets. And speaking of the number eight, when was the last time Newton had just eight incomplete passes. His completion percentage (66.4 on the year) is in uncharted territory. And more importantly, his red zone numbers are very nice. Nine touchdowns and zero interceptions with a league-best 120.7 passer rating.
NFL By The Numbers
0: There were zero 400-yard passers in the NFL in week eight, which is a far cry from a month ago in Week 4, when there were five QBs who passed for over 400 yards. As the calendar turns to November, running the ball becomes more and more important.
2: Josh Reynolds of the Los Angeles Rams had two touchdown receptions in his team’s win over the Green Bay Packers. He is hardly a household name. In fact, I have never heard of him. But you know what? His one game outing matched the entire season total of the overrated Odell Beckham.
149: The ageless Adrian Peterson rushed for 149 yards in a win over the Giants, keeping the Redskins in first place in the NFC East. His 64-yard sprint in the 4th quarter sealed the victory. Adrian Peterson is 33 and is clearly the Redskins most valuable player this season.
212: James Conner rushed for 146 yards and two TDs against Cleveland. Add in 66 more yards of pass catching and you come up with 212 yards of offense. Not a bad outing in the week before Le’Veon Bell is scheduled to end his holdout and join the team. One has to wonder if the Steelers really want Bell back with the team.
