Cam Newton's leadership questioned in loss | Page 2

swayze · 2012-09-21T11:54:13-07:00

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1342881-cam-newtons-leadership-skills-questioned-by-steve-smith-after-loss-to-giants Cam Newton didn't have much to say to reporters after his Carolina Panthers suffered a 36-7 loss to the Giants Thursday night. Apparently, his teammates didn't have much to say about his ability to be a leader on this football team. According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, Steve Smith didn't take too kindly to Newton's reaction after coach Ron Rivera decided to put Derek Anderson in during the final minutes of a game already out of hand for the Panthers. Joe Person @josephperson Steve Smith, when Cam Newton sat on the bench after he was benched Thurs, said he lit into Newton on the sideline with "unchoice words." Newton had an awful night at QB. He completed just 16 of his 30 passes for 242 yards and threw three interceptions on the evening. He couldn't get anything going on the ground either, rushing six times for six yards and a fantasy-saving touchdown in the third quarter. Apparently Rivera had seen enough after Newton's third interception and lifted last year's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in favor of Anderson, who went 3-of-3 for 46 yards in mop-up duty. Newton, who celebrated his rushing touchdown with gusto that didn't reflect his team being down by double digits, didn't react well to being taken out in favor of the veteran Anderson. In a familiar position from last season, Newton found the bench, put his head down and began to sulk while his team finished the game without his support. That, according to Person, is what put Smith over the edge and forced him to chew Newton out in full view. Unfortunately for Carolina, this isn't the first time that Newton has had problems with his demeanor following hard times. Last season, captains on the offensive line had to jerk him around a little bit, and the feeling was that coming into his second season, some of those demons had been banished. Joe Person @josephperson Second time in as many seasons Panthers captains have had to address Newton's demeanor. @RyanKalil and Jordan Gross did it late last season. If you look at Newton's history, it isn't hard to understand why he is upset in situations of adversity. He went two consecutive seasons as a national champion, first at Blinn College in Texas and then at the Auburn University. That kind of success spoiled him as a QB, and coming in as the No. 1 overall pick with a high level of confidence, competitive spirit and no real knowledge of what it feels like to lose, it can be expected that he would pout a little when things didn't go his way. However, he's the face of the franchise for a city that needs him to be that guy. Sitting at the end of the bench is indicative of an attitude problem, not someone who is trying to help the team win at all costs. At the end of the day, Smith likely doesn't regret getting in Newton's face. It needed to be done, and as his progression as a QB moves forward, Smith hopes situations like this increase Newton's level of maturity and allow him to persevere, not take steps back like Thursday night. Joe Person @josephperson Smith said he's more concerned about development of Newton as a man, than a leader, saying leadership is a process. That's the most telling quote of the night from Steve Smith. The veteran wideout knows things aren't going to get better without a helmet shift. By giving Newton that extra push, Smith figures to remind him that hard work and fire are no good without the right temperament. Take Newton's backups, Anderson and Jimmy Clausen. Smith cited their work ethic and team-first attitude as something that Newton, the starter, should build on if he wants to be an elite quarterback in the NFL: I watched D.A. and Jimmy (Clausen), they don't play in 20-something games last year. And they get up and they observe and learn and get those mental reps. I told him, "You can get some mental reps or you can sit on that bench and sulk." After hearing that, Newton should be motivated to get up and get better. The Panthers essentially gave up on Clausen by drafting him and only brought in Derek Anderson as an insurance policy. What does that say about Newton if Smith is making a claim for two backups before the guy throwing him passes? Newton isn't available for comment until Wednesday, per the team's policy with his interviews. That gives him a full week to practice hard, apologize to his teammates and turn the corner for these Carolina Panthers. Superman doesn't turn his back on his family. If Newton is really the Man of Steel, he won't either. Oh irony...

Sep 21, 2012 at 1:36 PM

#16

LasVegasWally
Veteran
Posts: 24,864

Leadership has zero to do with it.

They got beat by a much better team. They were outplayed and out-coached.

Sep 21, 2012 at 1:39 PM

#17

Ancient9r
Veteran
Posts: 64

Originally posted by 9erguy:
Cam would be perfect with a coach like Harbaugh. Rivera is garbage as a head coach.

Put in perspective, Rivera is a defensive minded coach and placed full autonomy for the offense on Chudzinski (Panthers OC). Chudzinski is part of the Marty way of offense, but also the influenced by Norv Turner. One thing going for Cam is superior athleticism and Steve Smith, if things don't work out watch for the parallels to Alex Smith journey's.

Sep 21, 2012 at 1:51 PM

#18

Ancient9r
Veteran
Posts: 64

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
Leadership has zero to do with it.

They got beat by a much better team. They were outplayed and out-coached.

Don't you think he could've reacted differently when he was yanked, since this isn't the first time? Besides what gives with the TD celebration when his team was so far behind? People are expecting grace under pressure regardless of the results, but when people constantly whisper how great he is............ Hopefully he doesn't get a pitbull

Sep 21, 2012 at 1:52 PM

#19

E-49er
Veteran
Posts: 5,027

The panthers played horrible. But its how you handle the loss that matters. I think Smith was absolutely right for blasting Cam and how he handled the situation. You don't want Cam turning into Jay Cutler and how he handles a tough loss and getting pulled. Its not all Cams fault because the defense was playing two hand touch out there but I don't think Cam has the best offensive coaches to groom him either. This is his second year in the league and he has alot of learning to do still on becoming a leader and a great quarterback. This is just one of the experiences he is going to have to learn from to be great. Hopefully he is better at learning these things than Cutler.

Sep 21, 2012 at 1:56 PM

#20

Cjez
Hall of Fame
Posts: 170,538

he's an idiot. Doing his stupid superman celebration after scoring a meaningless TD in a game in which they're getting blown out in. I don't watch him play much, but that right there is enough for me to label him a me-first douche.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:10 PM

#21

TheRambler
Veteran
Posts: 38,348

Originally posted by boast:
but but but he throws for 300 yds all the time!

I said last year after his first few games that people should remember JaMarcus Russell had a 90+ passer rating his first few games.

I don't think he'll ever sink to that level, but I thought it was very presumptuous for people to assume he'd suddenly be Dan Marino who runs like Tim Tebow this year.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:16 PM

#22

PRIMETIME21
Veteran
Posts: 18,706

im sorry but i cant hate on cam , i actually root for the guy lol, my fav player who isn't a 49er.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:20 PM

#23

valrod33
Hall of Small
Posts: 138,117

Originally posted by ChazBoner:
he's an idiot. Doing his stupid superman celebration after scoring a meaningless TD in a game in which they're getting blown out in. I don't watch him play much, but that right there is enough for me to label him a me-first douche.

This

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:22 PM

#24

49ersalldaway126
Veteran
Posts: 14,549

aside from calvin johnson cam newton is the most physically gifted athleth in the nfl

he still doesnt know how to play qb position though

he gets easily fooled by good defensive scheming and stares down WRs

i am not saying he cant be a good qb however he needs to realize he has to work on the fundementals which he clearly lacks

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM

#25

valrod33
Hall of Small
Posts: 138,117

Originally posted by 49ersalldaway126:
aside from calvin johnson cam newton is the most physically gifted athleth in the nfl

he still doesnt know how to play qb position though

he gets easily fooled by good defensive scheming and stares down WRs

i am not saying he cant be a good qb however he needs to realize he has to work on the fundementals which he clearly lacks

He relies on his arm way too much

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:30 PM

#26

9erguy
Veteran
Posts: 3,362

Originally posted by Ancient9r:

Originally posted by 9erguy:
Cam would be perfect with a coach like Harbaugh. Rivera is garbage as a head coach.

Put in perspective, Rivera is a defensive minded coach and placed full autonomy for the offense on Chudzinski (Panthers OC). Chudzinski is part of the Marty way of offense, but also the influenced by Norv Turner. One thing going for Cam is superior athleticism and Steve Smith, if things don't work out watch for the parallels to Alex Smith journey's.

Rivera reminds me of Samurai Mike ...he'll flame after this year. I predict Cowher will be the HC next year for the Panthers and he'll have a positive impact on Cam.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:31 PM

#27

KegBert
Veteran
Posts: 3,803

Anyone notice how he had his eyes closed the whole interview and never looked up?

Not saying this is an absolute travesty but it is a bit of a red flag IMO.

[ Edited by KegBert on Sep 21, 2012 at 2:32 PM ]

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:33 PM

#28

Ether
Veteran
Posts: 1,515

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
Leadership has zero to do with it.

They got beat by a much better team. They were outplayed and out-coached.

Everyone is a leader when you're winning, it's how you handle yourself when you lose that shows your true colors. Cam sulking at the end of the bench shows his lack of maturity and leadership.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:52 PM

#29

IdahoNiner
Veteran
Posts: 9,543

Time to grow up. We will see if he faces up to the challenge placed on him by the vets on his team.

Defense was horrible, But Cam didnt help them out much. Turnovers got to decrease. The coaching isaint great either, but non of this is a good excuse for the way he acted a celebration in garbage time is ridiculous, and always comes off as classless, and selfish, like "Well atleast i got MY #'s". He needs to learn to be a professional.

Sep 21, 2012 at 2:56 PM

#30

20halfbackcurlXup
Member
Posts: 79

Originally posted by jimmythegreekjr:
This is the beginning of the end for Cam Newton...He'll be benched permanently within the next few weeks.

this