Rookie QB Cam Newton wants Panthers to start performing – NFL News
Rookie quarterback Cam Newton is on fire in his first season in the National Football League. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about his team who lie third in the National Football Conference South Division with a poor 4-8
record.
Newton in a national interview with ESPN this week laid into his teammates for their non-serious attitude during games and the meek mentality that has developed inside the team.
“What happens when you take a lion out of the safari and try to take him to your place of residence and make him a house pet?” Newton said. “I’m that lion. The house that I’m in is somewhat of a tarnished house where losing is
accepted. But I’m trying to change that”
The rookie has every right to be disappointed with his team’s performances since his own individual statistics put him well beyond any expectations Panthers might have had when they made him their first pick in the 2011 NFL drafts.
Newton broke the NFL record for the most rushing touchdowns in single season by a quarterback with 13 touchdowns breaking the record held by Steve Grogan. He is also eighth in the league on passing yards with 3,297 completing 251
passes out of 413 attempts and has made another 13 passing touchdowns.
"I'm not trying to leave this place. I'm just trying to get everybody on my level." Newton added
Although other players may have taken Newton’s comments poorly but the quarterback’s teammates believe that the rookie has spoken his mind and the truth. Star wide receiver Steve Smith who is also having a great season agreed completely
with Newton’s words saying
"Sometimes I feel that way. I've questioned that in past years. If a young guy coming here has that question, I think it's good. I don't mind," Smith said.
Panthers Coach Ron Rivera also saw Newton’s comments with perspective and said that the quarterback is a person who just doesn’t like to lose and gives 100 percent each time.
The Panthers have won two back to back games for the first time in two years after the 38-19 win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. Newton was phenomenal against Tampa Bay scoring three rushing touchdowns during the encounter
to break Grogan’s record while also sending a 19-yard pass to Legedu Naanee for a passing touchdown.
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