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Cam Newton News & Rumors

Emboldened 49ers quarterback Alex Smith gets called out by Cam Newton's Carolina Panthers teammate
May 26
San Jose Mercury News
 
"This isn't necessarily about Cam Newton. Or about 300-yard passing games. Or about a Carolina Panthers defender attempting to, well, defend his quarterback. It's about Alex Smith's newfound moxie. Smith piped up Wednesday to once again downplay the value of a 300-yard passing game. He's had to do this repeatedly throughout his career, which includes only a pair of 300-yard-plus outings in 70 career games. He altered his script Wednesday by invoking the name of last season's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Newton. Cue up a Panthers player channeling his inner Terrell Owens (see: "That's my quarterback!" with tears flowing behind shades). "Alex smith, don't hate on Cam Bc your stats"
Where will Cam Newton land on 'Top 100'?
May 24
NFL.com
 
"With another round of names unveiled in NFL Network's "Top 100: Players of 2012" on Wednesday, we can't help but ask: Where will Cam Newton land? Fifty players are off the board including a handful of household names at the quarterback position. Newton's peers have spoken, and the Carolina Panthers passer has been deemed more talented than Tony Romo, Philip Rivers and Michael Vick, among others. The league has taken notice of Newton's outrageous rookie campaign and lifted it up for what it was: unprecedented. I'd have no problem with Cam landing as high as No. 20, but expect his name to be called sooner (flash prediction: No. 37)."
Panthers QB Cam Newton goes all out for 'Madden NFL 13' cover
April 25
Charlotte Observer
 
"If you listen to Cam Newton's seven-minute homemade video, Wednesday sounds like it will be one of the biggest days of his young NFL career. Not because it's the day before the NFL draft and his Carolina Panthers might get some help very soon. But because it's the day that either Newton or Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson will be revealed as the player who will grace the cover of the "Madden NFL 13" video game. Newton really wants to win. His homemade "Cam"-paign video – which has generated more than 142,000 hits on YouTube so far and likely a lot of fan votes – talks about how much he wants to win because he plays Madden so often. "It's a big, big deal to me," Newton said on the"
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton showing he's ready to lead
April 20
Charlotte Observer
 
"After quarterback Cam Newton had what I consider to be the best rookie season by any NFL player at any position, you might think the Carolina Panthers wouldn't want him to change one bit. In fact, however, they are excited that he seems a little different. Listen to Panthers coach Ron Rivera, who talked with Newton this week after the veterans reported to Bank of America Stadium Monday for offseason workouts. "I had a chance to visit with him briefly and he seems like a different person," Rivera said Thursday. "He seems more mature, in terms of ready to take some leadership roles.""
Cam Newton vows improvement "through the roof"
April 15
Pro Football Talk
 
"Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had perhaps the best rookie season for any quarterback in NFL history last year, but he's not satisfied. In fact, Newton says that with a full offseason of work, he'll be significantly better in 2012 than he was in 2011. "With reviewing all the games from last year, I feel that the improvement is through the roof for me," Newton told the Associated Press on Saturday. "I've had the whole offseason to work on the things that I feel like I need to get better at [and that] will come into fruition. With the upcoming OTAs, I feel like that's another time for me to get better.""
Cam Newton: No 'Madden curse,' Charlotte's on the rise
April 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"Following an announcement of his charitable intentions Thursday at a private event, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton addressed two topics that have caused consternation in his new city: The supposed "Madden curse" (he's not worried about it) and Newton's view on whether Charlotte is metropolitan enough to keep a sports superstar engaged. Newton, the No. 1 draft pick in 2011 who was the Rookie of the Year, is the city's first mega-star in a team sport since the Hornets' Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning were filling up the Charlotte Coliseum. Under the rookie wage scale included in the new CBA that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson helped negotiate, Newton has three years remaining on his"
Cam Newton is ready to 'embrace Charlotte'
April 13
Charlotte Observer
 
"During his record-breaking rookie season, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton kept media responsibilities to a minimum and was selective in his appearances at charitable events. He plans to reach out more into the Charlotte community this year through his foundation, he announced to a crowd of about 200 civic and business leaders Thursday evening at a private event at the Fillmore. "To a degree, I didn't know what I was getting into. And that was in large part (because of) a lot on my plate, starting off with the lockout," Newton told reporters after addressing the attendees at the Fillmore. "I didn't know how things were going to pan out. During the season, I wanted to be focused on one"
Could Cam Newton turn Madden 13 cover down? No
April 10
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"OK, I'm not a big "gamer." I don't play John Madden's popular NFL games, although a couple of my kids do and so I'm familiar with them and own a copy for the Wii. I haven't paid a whole lot of attention the "Madden Curse" -- the jinx that apparently strikes most NFL players when they are put on the cover the following season. But I keep getting this question from readers and so will answer it here -- Could Panther QB Cam Newton turn down the Madden cover if he wanted to? The answer, apparently, is "No.""
Seattle coach: Look out for Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
March 29
Charlotte Observer
 
"Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has a new quarterback in Matt Flynn, the second-biggest free agent quarterback this offseason. But Carroll spent part of his offseason – and about five minutes Wednesday morning on the final day of the NFL owners meetings – marveling at the play of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton during his record-breaking rookie season. Carroll studied video of Newton over the winter to see how a quarterback with no experience in an NFL-style offense succeeded in a complex scheme to post the most prolific passing season ever by a rookie."
Tolbert gives Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton another offensive weapon
March 20
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Tom Sorensen
"Mike Tolbert is the Carolina Panthers new starting fullback. I can't remember who their old starting fullback was, except that it was not Brad Hoover. Last season a fullback was as essential as a rotary phone. The beauty of the offense is that it is not static. Rules are few, options many. The quarterback catches passes, receivers throw passes and on third and long offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski does not feel obligated to call a draw play."
Newton up all night for Under Armour
February 23
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton pulled an all-nighter earlier this month that was captured by cameras in Charlotte. TV viewers -- at least those other than Time-Warner customers in Charlotte -- can see the end result tonight when the 60-second, Under Armour spot airs on the NFL Network. Entitled "Cam's Night Out," the commercial plays on Newton's off-season training, and depicts him working out under the lights at Bank of America Stadium --in his Under Armour gear and UA Highlight cleats."
Draft analyst still would take QB Luck over Newton
February 16
Charlotte Observer
 
"Even after Cam Newton's record-setting rookie season, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock says he'd still take Andrew Luck over the Panthers' quarterback if the two were in the same draft. During a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Mayock initially balked at comparing Luck to the last three No. 1 picks - Newton, Sam Bradford and Matthew Stafford - and to Matt Ryan, who went third overall in 2008."
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wins two 2012 rookie awards
February 5
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton capped a record-breaking rookie season by taking home two trophies from a red-carpet awards show Saturday on the eve of Super Bowl XLVI. The Carolina Panthers' quarterback won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award, as well as AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after a season in which he threw for more yards than any rookie in NFL history. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick last year, set several league and team records, beginning with a 422-yard passing performance at Arizona that was the most prolific debut for a rookie quarterback."
Cam Newton isn't excusing his Pro Bowl interceptions
February 3
Charlotte Observer
 
"It was essentially an exhibition against an AFC team whose defensive intensity fluctuated throughout the game. But Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made no excuses for his poor showing in his first Pro Bowl last week in the NFC's 59-41 loss. Playing the entire second half, Newton was 9-of-27 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions - one of which was returned for a touchdown. While Newton conceded it was difficult to gauge the intensity level of the defense, he said it shouldn't have mattered."
Panthers' Newton agrees to promote Gatorade
February 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton, the Panthers quarterback who draped a Gatorade towel over his head on the sideline throughout his rookie season, has landed a multi-year marketing deal with the sports-drink giant, Gatorade officials announced Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Newton, who also has sponsorship deals with Under Armour and GMC, said partnering with Gatorade fulfills a "childhood dream.""
Ex-Niners coach: Cam Newton in "fast lane" to greatness
February 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"As his Pro Bowl performance showed – albeit in an exhibition where the intensity level ebbed and flowed like the Pacific tides – Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is not yet a finished product. But a former NFL coach believes Newton is well on his way to greatness. Ex-San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci, now an NFL Network analyst, raved about Newton's rookie season and predicted big things for last year's first overall pick."
Cam Newton featured on ESPN special this week
January 31
Charlotte Observer
 
"With his rookie season over, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton apparently is doing more national media. Newton, who limited his media availability during his first NFL season, will be among four of the league's biggest personalities featured on SportsCenter Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm at 9 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN2. The one-hour special will include interviews with Newton, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Colts owner Jim Irsay."
Cam Newton Pro Bowl performance: Ugh
January 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton won't lose the Rookie of the Year Award based on his Pro Bowl performance in the AFC's 59-41 win, but he didn't win over any of his critics, either. Playing the entire second half Sunday in relief of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, Newton completed just 9-of-27 passes for 186 yards, with three interceptions -- including one that was returned for a touchdown. Newton was plagued by overthrows -- a problem area even as he re-wrote the rookie passing records after the Panthers drafted him No. 1 overall last year."
Wilson and Anderson draw attention as backup for Cam
January 26
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers met with former N.C. State and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson this week and are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback who would be a good fit in Rob Chudzinski's offense. Cam Newton broke several records and earned a Pro Bowl berth as an alternate after taking nearly every snap as a rookie. Derek Anderson, Newton's backup in 2011, is an unrestricted free agent; Jimmy Clausen was inactive for every game last season after going 1-9 as a starter in 2010."
Cam Newton is Pro Bowl-bound
January 23
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton is headed to Hawaii. With Eli Manning and the New York Giants punching their Super Bowl ticket Sunday with a win at San Francisco in the NFC championship game, Newton is expected to take Manning's spot on the NFC team in the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29 in Honolulu. Newton, who broke Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, was the NFC's first alternate at quarterback behind Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, New Orleans' Drew Brees and Manning, who were voted in."
Dilfer: Panthers QB Cam Newton fated for sustained success
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"For all the good things Cam Newton did on the field during his record-setting rookie season, it was a phone conversation Trent Dilfer had with Newton this week that convinced Dilfer the Panthers' quarterback is destined for sustained success. Dilfer, the ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback, called Newton on Tuesday to let him know he was coming to Charlotte for a speaking engagement. Newton told Dilfer he was finishing up a workout at Bank of America Stadium, and went on to describe how he'd spent the first two weeks of the offseason. "He's watched every snap of this season already on his own. He's not missed a day in the weight room. He's already running," Dilfer told the Hood Hargett"
Was Cam Newton's rookie year the best ever?
January 13
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"I'm writing a column for Sunday's newspaper and online that will delve into the question of whether Cam Newton's rookie season should be thought of as the best by any player, at any position. I haven't made up my mind myself, although Peter King of Sports Illustrated has already written that he thinks it was. I'm still researching but thought you might enjoy a look at some of the competitors for this mythical "title" (a more complete list will be in Sunday's newspaper)."
Cam Newton: Finale a beginning, not an end
January 2
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton will have plenty of time to appreciate all he accomplished in his record-setting rookie season with the Panthers, but Sunday afternoon wasn't that time. The sting of a season-ending 45-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints was still fresh as Newton emerged from the Panthers' locker room with a scowl on his face. He had completed 15 of 25 passes for 158 yards, modest numbers by his standards. Newton threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith when he saw the Pro Bowler in single coverage in the first quarter, but he also threw a critical end-zone interception in the second quarter when Smith adjusted his route in coverage. In the second half, Newton and the Panthers gained just 66"
Panthers' QB Cam Newton silences his doubters
January 1
Charlotte Observer
 
"After a four-month lockout and a summer with more labor talks than football discussion, the NFL returned for its opening weekend on the 10-year anniversary of 9-11. In Glendale, Ariz., Cardinals fans were eager to get their first look at free-agent quarterback Kevin Kolb in a real game. While Kolb's Cardinals won 28-21, Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton stole the show with a record 422-yard passing performance at University of Phoenix Stadium, where Newton led Auburn to the Bowl Championship Series title seven months earlier. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick, had shown flashes of brilliance during the preseason - sandwiched around errant passes that left him with a completion"
There's promise of Newton in 2012
December 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"The Panthers didn't deliver a playoff appearance this season, but they delivered fun. Considering where the franchise was a year ago, that's more than enough. It's tough not to play the what-if game - even coach Ron Rivera has admitted thinking about how different things could be if he could change a handful of plays - but more than eight months before next season will start, there's an excitement about what could be. If you're in St. Louis or Tampa, Fla., or Minnesota, you're wondering how it gets better. Around here, you're wondering what Cam Newton can do next season. Until then, there's Week 17."
Cam Newton likely Pro Bowl-bound
December 28
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton was third in the fan voting for the Pro Bowl, but couldn't crack the top three in the final balloting, which also includes players' and coaches' votes. But he was close enough. A league source said Tuesday evening Newton is the NFC's first alternate and is expected to be in Hawaii for the Jan. 29 game. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Eli Manning are the NFC selections. Rodgers and Brees quarterback arguably the top two teams in the NFC, while Manning can get the Giants in the playoffs with a win Sunday vs. Dallas. So the odds are good one of those guys will be in the Super Bowl the following week in Indianapolis, and as such, will not be in Honolulu representing his conference."
A record for Cam Newton, a rout for Panthers
December 26
Charlotte Observer
 
"And on the 112th day, Cam Newton rested. After breaking Peyton Manning's rookie passing record and hanging nearly 50 points on the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers' quarterback did the only thing he hadn't done during a remarkable season. Took a seat. Newton threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score Saturday before giving way to Derek Anderson for the final two series in the Panthers' 48-16 win in front of a Christmas Eve crowd of about 55,000 at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers (6-9) won for the fourth time in five games and swept the season series with Tampa Bay (4-11), which has lost nine consecutive games. It was the second-highest point total in"
A record for Cam Newton, a rout for Panthers
December 25
Charlotte Observer
 
"And on the 112th day, Cam Newton rested. After breaking Peyton Manning's rookie passing record and hanging nearly 50 points on the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers' quarterback did the only thing he hadn't done during a remarkable season. Took a seat. Newton threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score Saturday before giving way to Derek Anderson for the final two series in the Panthers' 48-16 win in front of a Christmas Eve crowd of about 55,000 at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers (6-9) won for the fourth time in five games and swept the season series with Tampa Bay (4-11), which has lost nine consecutive games."
Be happy Steve Smith, Cam Newton are Panthers
December 24
Charlotte Observer
 
"A year ago Steve Smith wanted out of town and fans wanted a new quarterback. The Panthers drafted Cam Newton first overall and didn't find much trade interest in Smith. Good thing. The two have led an offensive resurgence and have a chance make history Saturday. Newton needs 18 yards to break Peyton Manning's rookie passing record of 3,739 yards. With five catches, Smith will pass Mushin Muhammad (696) as the franchise's all-time leader. Smith overtook Muhammad as the leader in receiving yardage earlier this season."
Newton getting a gentle reminder
December 22
Charlotte Observer
 
"After Houston running back Arian Foster scored on a 1-yard run to pull the Houston Texans within eight points last weekend, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton could feel another second-half lead slipping away. So the rookie had some words for his offensive teammates, who responded with a pair of fourth-quarter drives that sealed the 28-13 win - the Panthers' biggest of the season."
Buccaneers know Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton may be a new quarterback prototype
December 22
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Cam Newton is quite comfortable sitting in the pocket firing darts to receivers downfield. But he also doesn't mind running with abandon around the edge on a designed run that catches exasperated defenders napping. That's the reason the Bucs have spent so many hours this week devising ways to stop the record-breaking Panthers rookie quarterback, whom Tampa Bay faces Saturday. One never knows what's coming with Newton, which is exactly what the Panthers want. That's why their unique usage of the No. 1 overall pick out of Auburn could have a lasting effect on how quarterback is played in the NFL for years to come."
Cam Newton can surpass Peyton Manning's rookie record
December 18
Charlotte Observer
 
"From his first game, when he shocked the experts with a 422-yard passing performance at Arizona, Cam Newton has been on pace to surpass Peyton Manning's rookie passing record of 3,739 yards, set in 1998. Newton, whose Week 1 outing topped Manning's record debut, needs 167 yards to move past Manning for the single-season, rookie mark. He'll have to do it against the league's top-ranked defense, which allows an average of 183.5 passing yards a game."
Rivera: Newton should have spot in Pro Bowl
December 16
Charlotte Observer
 
"Count Panthers coach Ron Rivera among those who believe rookie quarterback Cam Newton has earned a spot in the Pro Bowl next month in Hawaii. Newton is third in fan voting for the NFC quarterback position, trailing Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans' Drew Brees. Three quarterbacks are selected for each conference. Wide receiver Steve Smith also is third in voting among NFC wide receivers."
Smith: Cam a better QB than Tebow
December 16
Charlotte Observer
 
"Count Panthers receiver Steve Smith among those who aren't fawning over Denver quarterback Tim Tebow. While acknowledging Tebow's run of fourth-quarter comebacks, Smith said Thursday he would still take Panthers rookie Cam Newton over Tebow any day. "You can't compare Cam to Tebow. I think Cam's a more complete player," Smith said. "Tebow has the wins. But everybody wants to crown Tebow. Yes, he has the will to win. I think Tebow is no different than any other professional. But Tebow has a great opportunity to play behind a great defense.""
Texans on 3rd QB as Cam battles on
December 15
Charlotte Observer
 
"As the Panthers prepare to face a Houston team on its third quarterback of the season, Cam Newton just keeps chugging - and chewing - along. The Panthers' heralded rookie has been in every offensive play through the first 13 games - a total of 839 plays. "Let's just say I'm lucky, blessed to have my limbs intact, healthy. Nicks and bruises are going to come, that's a part of the game," Newton said Wednesday. "I'm still able to put my hands up under the center, take the snap, make reads and play football." Besides luck, Newton has his 6-foot-5, 248-pound frame to help absorb hits. There have been countless times when Newton has bounced off tackle and sack attempts of defensive linemen and"
Despite thrills, Carolina Panthers' QB Newton remains flawed
December 12
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Tom Sorensen
"I don't know if it was a long week for Cam Newton. It was a long second half. Newton ran off the field at the break with a quarterback rating of 146.5 and a 23-7 lead. He was 9 of 13 for 147 yards. He threw two touchdown passes and did not throw an interception. In the second half, Newton was 10 of 26 for 129 yards. He did not throw a touchdown pass. He threw two interceptions. He finished with a rating of 67.9, and Carolina finished with a 31-23 loss to Atlanta."
The coach behind Cam Newton
December 11
Charlotte Observer
 
"Twelve games into his rookie season, having already set an NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and forcing a substantial rewriting of the Panthers' record book, Cam Newton remains a block of quarterback clay, still being shaped. Quarterbacks coach Mike Shula is responsible for the molding. While head coach Ron Rivera provides the vision and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski supplies the formula, Shula does the hands-on coaching of Newton, as many as 30 hours per week. It's Shula's job to bring out Newton's potential greatness. A former Alabama quarterback and Crimson Tide head coach now in his 20th NFL season, Shula has worked through the years with Vinny Testaverde, Joe"
Steve Smith credits Newton for Panthers' improvement
December 9
Charlotte Observer
 
"Quarterback Cam Newton's comments about trying to change the Panthers' losing mentality don't bother Steve Smith. The outspoken veteran receiver said the Panthers could use more of that type of attitude, and pointed to Newton as one of several new players who have helped begin to change the locker room climate. "It doesn't bother me at all. I'd rather have a guy who is upset that we lost, obviously handling it the right way, than a guy who is neither way, whichever way," Smith said. "I like a guy who has the desire not to win next year, but he wants to win immediately. I think we needed more of that.""
Falcons held Cam Newton to his lowest passer rating
December 9
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"Under coach Mike Smith, the Falcons have chewed up and spat out rookie quarterbacks like a wad of sunflower seeds. That was until Houston's T.J. Yates guided the Texans to a 17-10 victory Sunday to become the first rookie to beat the Falcons under Smith. The Falcons will take an 8-1 record against rookie quarterbacks into Sunday's 1 p.m. road game against rookie sensation Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. When the Falcons beat the Panthers 31-17 on Oct. 16, they held Newton to a passer rating of 44.6, which is his lowest mark of the season. He's clearly an evolving as he sees some NFL defenses for the first time."
Cam packs cans for needy
December 7
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton worked well with his line Tuesday morning – though it was a different group than the Carolina Panthers' rookie quarterback is accustomed to teaming with. Newton spent about an hour with 55 Bank of America employees packing boxes of dry goods and kitchen staples for needy children and seniors at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Wearing a blue Panthers sweater over a checked shirt, Newton heard Second Harvest Executive Director Kay Carter tell the group there are 155,000 children living in poverty in the 19-county area that Second Harvest serves."
Laws of motion don't apply to this Newton
December 5
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler
"Wham. Bam. Thank you, Cam. Thanks once again for making the Carolina Panthers' season so darn fun to watch, because by this time last year we had all lost interest. Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton slammed his way to three rushing touchdowns Sunday - all from 1 yard away - to pace Carolina's easiest win of the season. The Panthers doubled up Tampa Bay, pasting the Buccaneers by a 38-19 score on the road. Tampa Bay's players were left to dust themselves off and wonder about that truck with the license plate "No. 1" that had just run over them."
Cam Newton part of evolving QB style
December 4
Charlotte Observer
 
"Cam Newton was in eighth grade when Michael Vick became the starter for Newton's hometown Atlanta Falcons in 2002. Like football fans everywhere, Newton was mesmerized by Vick's speed, elusiveness and lightning bolt of a left arm. As the quarterback for his Camp Creek Middle School team, Newton would try to mimic Vick's moves. He wanted to be like Mike. Only better. "I think the innovator of taking the game to the next level was Michael Vick. Hands down," Newton said last week. "Growing up in Atlanta, I just fell in love with his playing style. But at the same time, I saw what Michael Vick couldn't do - or things he could have worked on. Seeing that, I just wanted to take it to the next"
Panthers rookie Newton brings dazzle to Tampa
December 2
Tampa Tribune
 
"While attending high school 15 miles from the Georgia Dome, Cam Newton couldn't help but notice a dazzling rookie quarterback shaking up the NFL. Michael Vick burst into the league with the Atlanta Falcons in 2001 and Newton watched his every move while going to classes at Westlake High. A decade later, it's Newton who is causing a stir at the pro level as he leads the Carolina Panthers into Tampa for Sunday's matchup against the slumping Buccaneers. "The innovator of taking the game to the next level was Michael Vick," said Newton, who won the Heisman Trophy and led Auburn to a national championship before joining Carolina as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft. "With me growing up"
Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton defying expectations heading into game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
December 1
St. Petersburg Times
 columnist Gary Shelton
"Scandal could not stop him, and controversy could not slow him down. The skeptics could not touch him, and the critics never had a chance. He has just gotten here and already Cam Newton has arrived. It has been a very, very long time since the NFL has seen a newcomer like the Carolina Panthers quarterback, in town to face the Bucs on Sunday. He is a rookie who carries himself as if he has been here for a decade, a beginner who has been in so many highlight reels he deserves a production credit. Already, it seems, Newton is in a hurry to get to stardom. And for the defenseless defenders of the Tampa Bay Bucs, the next challenge is to try to get in the way."
Cam Newton feels safer running than in the pocket
November 24
Charlotte Observer
 
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera said a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to reduce Cam Newton's carries. Good luck with that. With Newton's running ability giving the Panthers' offense an added dimension, particularly in the red zone, the rookie quarterback continues to get between seven to 10 carries a game. And that's fine with Newton. "Honestly, I take more hits in the pocket than I do outside the pocket. In the pocket, I don't see who's coming. That can be more dangerous than when you're running you've got your eyes on a swivel, aware of your surroundings," Newton said today."
Panthers, Newton still not good enough in crunch time
November 21
Charlotte Observer
 
"It is a testament to how good rookie quarterback Cam Newton already is that his team can score 35 points, he can account for three touchdowns and it can still feel to everyone like he had an off game. But that's what it felt like in the aftermath of Carolina's 49-35 loss to Detroit at Ford Field Sunday, when Newton also threw a career-high four interceptions and absorbed his eighth loss in 10 NFL starts. "We put on a clinic on how to lose a game, simple and plain," Newton said afterward."
Lions' QB Stafford relates to rookie in Panthers' Newton
November 19
Charlotte Observer
 
"Before there was Cam Newton, there was Matthew Stafford. In 2009, Stafford was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, a Georgia quarterback ordained by the Detroit Lions as the player around whom a franchise would be remodeled. He joined a team that had gone winless the previous season and, now in his third season, Stafford and the Lions are 6-3 in the midst of what feels like a renaissance for one of the league's venerable franchises. For Stafford, who was named the Lions' starting quarterback before the regular-season opener in 2009, there's been a stop-and-start quality due to injuries, the latest of which is a broken finger on his throwing hand suffered two weeks ago. Preparing to"
Seeing Cam Newton will be a rush for Nick Fairley
November 19
Detroit News
 
"Rookie Nick Fairley is looking forward to seeing his former teammate, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, on Sunday. The two won a national championship together last season at Auburn. "It'll be cool to talk to him before the game, but once we're on the field, all that is gone," Fairley said. "It's all about business once we step between those lines." Fairley is still looking for his first career sack and should it come against Newton, all the better. "It would mean a lot, but just for the fact that it's my first career sack," Fairley said. "That's what it really comes down to; I want my first career sack. But it would be real good to get him. I'd have some trash to talk about after the"
Cam Newton poses a dilemma for Lions defense
November 19
Detroit News
 
"So if you are the Lions on Sunday, do you blitz Cam Newton? Don't be too hasty with your answer. On the plus side, the Titans last week were able to confuse and frustrate Newton, Carolina's prized rookie quarterback, with some well-disguised and well-timed blitz packages. The Lions had good success blitzing another young, athletic quarterback — Denver's Tim Tebow — three weeks ago. But Newton is different. He's faster than Tebow. Newton covers 40 yards in 4.5 seconds, and he's more elusive. "His running style is similar to Vince Young," defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. "He's big and he has those long strides. He can really hurt you in the open field." More to the point, Newton throws"