re: Cam Newton is regressing quickly

Aside from the fact that he obviously isn’t healthy right now, there are some factors going on that are causing his play to slip.

1) Carolina is almost entirely taking away his running ability. They may be trying to protect their investment of a franchise QB, but running is what Cam Newton does best. He’s big, he dishes out punishment and he keeps the chains moving.

2) This kind of goes with #1, but Carolina is trying to turn Cam Newton into a pocket passing QB, strictly, and that’s not what he is. That’s not what he’s ever been. And he’s never going to be a guy that just drops back and beats a team with only his arm.

3) Carolina still has not addressed the offensive line. They still suck. Looks like they always will.

4) This kind of goes with #1 and #2, but Cam Newton hasn’t been healthy lately, and I believe that is from a combination of factors. His running, his lack of protection and his game in general. Obviously he’s getting beat up moreso than any other player, but that comes with the territory of being a dual threat player that thrives on the ground. It’s going to happen.

I think Carolina’s best shot is to sit him until he’s healthy, then go back to calling the offense the way it was called in the past. His arm doesn’t appear as strong nor accurate as it was prior to surgery. If things stay the way they are, he’s not going to find success like before.