Cam Newton followed up his break out MVP season of 2015 with the worst season of his career. Newton had career lows in completion percentage (52.9) and passer rating (75.8), and the Panthers missed the playoffs last season after making the Super Bowl the season before.
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Bucky Brooks of NFL.com wrote that if Newton wants to remain one of the best quarterbacks in the league, he needs to evolve as a passer and rely less on his ability as a runner.
"...I do believe (Newton) must use his athleticism and legs differently to take his game to another level while also preserving his health," Brooks wrote.
Newton recently underwent shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff, and he has also had ankle, back and head injuries in the past.
"Sure, he can continue to spark the Panthers' offense with a flamboyant but rugged playing style that has made him the only quarterback in NFL history to have at least 20,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in his first six seasons, but a growing list of injuries — including a partially torn rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder — suggests that the 27-year-old's crash-test dummy approach is not sustainable," Brooks said.
Newton is expected to return to the field before training camp, but it will be intriguing to see if he makes adjustments to his playing style and evolves as a passer.
The Panthers went 6-10 in 2016, which was their worst season since Newton's rookie year. If they are going to return to the playoffs in 2017, they will need Newton to improve his level of play next year.
(h/t NFL.com)
