Cam Newton, Quarterback
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is playing at an even higher level than he did during his MVP season in 2015. Through seven games three years ago, he had completed 54.2 percent of his passes for 11 TDs and eight interceptions.
This year, Newton has completed a career-high 66.4 percent of his passes through seven games. In addition, he has 13 passing TDs against just four interceptions. So it’s probably time to start throwing his name into MVP consideration, given the way he seems to be flourishing under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
On Sunday, Newton turned in another phenomenal performance, completing 21 of 29 passes for 219 yards and two TDs. He also added 10 carries for 52 yards and a score to finish as the Panthers’ leading rusher as well.
It also helps that Newton has a great set of weapons and an offensive line that is playing at a high level. In fact, the Panthers allowed no sacks against the Ravens’ vaunted defense, proving that their offensive line deserves a lot of respect. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said as much on Monday, via Panthers.com’s Bill Voth:
“A lot has to do with the people around him. I think right now, we’re protecting him as well as we’ve ever protected him. He’s making just as good decisions as he did in 2015, but just in a different way. And he’s got a great set of weapons around him. I think we’re playing well as a team right now in all three phases, and I think that helps.”
The Panthers certainly played well on Sunday, and have now won two straight and four of five. Next up, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the unenviable task of going up against a team that seems to be firing on all cylinders right now.
