Earlier this week Cam Newton was filmed on an airplane allegedly offering another passenger $1,500 to switch seats on their 10-hour flight, presumably so our 6-foot-5 franchise quarterback could have some additional leg room. The other passenger politely declined, which actually does make some sense. After all, Cam’s fellow traveler had already elected to pay a premium to sit somewhere other a cheaper Economy seat, purposefully investing his (or his company’s) money in a more comfortable flight. If you’ve ever been on a 10-hour flight before you know they can be brutal, so it’s hard to blame the guy for saying no to Cam.
But if I would’ve been on that flight, Cam could’ve absolutely had my seat for the $1,500. Sure, I would’ve also negotiated an autograph and a selfie, but my quarterback needs the leg room. In fact, I want to see a lot more out of Cam Newton’s legs in 2019 than we did last year as our dinged-up quarterback dialed back his dominant running game to preserve his overall health.
It’s easy for us as Panthers fans to look at the upcoming season as an either-or proposition:
Either Cam’s shoulder is healthy and we finish around 10-6, or Cam’s shoulder won’t be healthy and we’ll muddle through something like another 7-9 season.
But too often we are only thinking of how Cam’s healthy shoulder will impact the passing game. Let’s not forget that as Newton’s passing improves it will also open up his running game. Assuming Cam is back to firing accurate lasers like he did in 2015 (and he can actually throw the ball longer than 20 yards), opposing linebackers and safeties are going to have their hands full trying to account for Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, and a healthy [knocks on wood] Greg Olsen. With a little help from the offensive line this year, a healthy Cam Newton could also once again start abusing opponents with his legs.
Over the last four seasons we’ve seen what a healthy, dual-threat Cam Newton looks like when compared to the dinged-up version.
Both 2015 and 2017 were “healthy, dual-threat” Cam Newton campaigns. Between those two seasons Cam averaged 8.5 rushing attempts and 43.4 rushing yards per game. Carolina went a combined 26-6 and made the postseason each year.
On the other hand, 2016 and 2018 were “dinged-up, less effective” Cam Newton seasons as he battled concussion, knee, and shoulder issues. In those two years Cam averaged just 6.7 rushing attempts and 31.0 yards per game. The Panthers went a combined 13-19.
While there has been a correlation between Cam Newton’s rushing output and the Panthers record over the last four years, it doesn’t mean this is the only cause. Cam rushing for an additional 12.4 yards per game isn’t the only variable in determining if the Panthers are going to be Super Bowl contenders or stumble their way to another losing season. But I do think it’s fair to say that a healthy Cam Newton being smartly (and regularly) used as a dual-threat option makes the Panthers offense much more effective.
While we as Panthers fans will all keep our fingers crossed that Cam’s shoulder will be healthy enough for him to torch opposing defenses through the air, let’s also remember what an effective passing game can do for Carolina’s rushing attack. The healthier Cam’s shoulder, the deadlier his legs become.
And if you ever find yourself on a 10-hour flight with Mr. Newton in the future, please just take one for the team and give up your seat. The man’s legs are that important.
