Pounding Panthers Chronicle: Cam Returns
Superman Returns
It’s not a plane. It’s not a bird. It’s not Sam Darnold seeing past Carolina Panthers ghosts? That’s right folks; Superman is back in the Carolinas. In the late morning hours of Thursday news broke that the Carolina Panthers were flying former NFL 2015 NFL MVP in via private jet to discuss a potential contract for the rest of the 2021 season. Hours later the news was breaking that the two sides had come to an agreement and Mr. QB1 Cam Newton would be returning to the blue and black. It has been reported the deal is for the rest of this season and could be worth up to 10 million of which 4.5 million is guaranteed. Social media feeds best prepare for the flood of Cam Newton content that is already begging to flood their respective platforms’ timelines. The Panthers fan base has longed to see Cam Newton united with the one team every person thinks of when you say the name Cam Newton.
It was considered a travesty when Newton was originally released by the team; a move that had many fans questioning if they could continue rooting for the team. It was understandably a “bad breakup” and left many fans jaded towards the front office and coaching staff. It is unclear where the decision ultimately came from, but many suspected that it was newly voted in owner David Tepper. The equally new head coach at the time Matt Rhule was on record stating his desires to work with Cam Newton, and even possibly having a bit of a personal motivation from within his own household. There is news that indicates that it was Matt Rhule that initiated the phone calls and moves that led to the return of Superman to the Queen City and Carolina Panthers. This is a move that could benefit this team in more ways than one, even if that means not putting wins on the board.
The return of Cam Newton to the locker room means the return of an energy that has been vacant for far some time. No matter where or when Cam Newton has played the one thing he has not lacked in his playing career is a passion and desire to win and have fun while doing it. A tradition that we may see return to this team, one that fans will greatly rejoice over, and that is the giving away of touchdown balls. Newton’s time in New England came away with nothing but praise from the likes of Bill Belichick for his work ethic and locker room presence. In the past few weeks it has been discussed if head coach Matt Rhule had lost this locker room. If there is one guy that could come in and revive this Panthers locker room Cam Newton would be the guy. A positive presence like his could be what is needed to lift up some of these young rookies and youthful player’s spirits.
It’s time to go into your closet and dust off those boogie shoes because you are certain to see the dancing wonder bust a move. The man is called Boogie for a reason folks. Bring on the crazy outfits, which by the way have already started, a picture posted by Panthers’ social media showed David Tepper and Cam Newton shoulder to shoulder smiling. It is still far too early to tell if Cam will be suiting up this Sunday versus the Cardinals. Unconfirmed reports are that if the Panthers had their way Cam would be starting Sunday. There are no concerns over any COVID-19 restrictions or mandates as the again Panthers QB is already vaccinated. The only question will be how long will it take the 32-year old veteran to learn this Joe Brady system?
If Newton does sit this Sunday in Arizona it will likely ensure that his first start will be a highly anticipated one in the confines of Bank of America stadium. A peek at the schedule shows that in 1Love’s first game back in BOA he will face off against his former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera now head coach of Washington. For those that have had the pleasure or possibly displeasure of going to a Panthers home game this season may have noticed the disturbing amount of opposing fans in the stands. November 21 expect to see Black and Blue, and then more Black and Blue in Bank of America stadium. The building will be rocking in a spectacle that has not yet been seen this season. The trend of Panthers fans selling off their tickets may come to an abrupt stop with the return of QB1. As I mentioned before this move may not directly put win up for this team, do those chances increase, absolutely, but the return of Cam Newton is not a magic pill that will save this team. Currently this team need to find itself, an identity, something that has been lost over the past two seasons, and it is not a coincident that this lines up with the absences of Cam from the team.
In many ways he was the heart and soul of the Panthers, and when he was cut many fans felt these parts of themselves had been cut out. The announcement today literally brought some fans to tears because of how happy they were. Because they felt reunited with someone that helped shape and mold the team that they had come to love. In the past two seasons this “team” was not there, and we may not see days like the 2015 season, but there is little about this deal that feels wrong. The deal might be overpriced somewhat, but Cam Newton is clearly the best available in Free Agency. Not to mention he may be the best quarterback currently on the roster, and yes that includes Sam Darnold.
If we step back for a moment and try to evaluate things with an unbiased opinion you could say this was a desperation move by the Front Office and coaching staff. That could very well be the case, but one positive that we have seen this season is the two entities have not been afraid to make moves. It was apparent that PJ Walker was not capable of displacing Darnold from the starting lineup when it requires injury for Walker to see time on the field. This staff knew they had to do something and Cam Newton was it. This may not save the season but it will re-inspire the fan base; something this young team could desperately use. I have touched on the lack of veteran leadership within the team, and this signing will directly help with an issue like this.
Could the Newton signing potentially mark the end of Sam Darnold’s time in Carolina? Honestly it is too early to know the answer to that question, but it does feel good to be excited about Carolina football. The injury to Sam Darnold in many ways felt like an excuse that could be used by this coaching staff as he was brushed away to the injury list; presumably for a large portion of the remainder of the season. This makes Cam being the starter for the remainder of the Panthers season almost a sure lock regardless of the quarterback’s play. Darnold’s contract is fully guaranteed through the 2022 season, but the Teddy Bridgewater situation could be used a measuring stick for how the Panthers proceed with Darnold in the future. If Cam plays well in these remaining games on the schedule I see no reason why he would not be considered for the spot in 2022. The draft class for quarterbacks is not very impressive and there is the issue of having little draft capitol. It would not be hard to imagine that Cam would be in the running, of course all this is based off of a positive 2021 performance with the team.
Merely hours into the news being broke that Cam Newton is coming home and electricity can already be felt within the fan base. Today people are proud to where their Panthers gear and celebrate 1Love.