There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the Carolina Panthers getting Cam Newton to avoid injuries by running less, but the team’s new offensive coaching staff insists they will not look to change the quarterback’s style of play.
While speaking with reporters this week, Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner said Newton is always going to make plays with his legs.
“What he has done has really refined his game, really become a pro, but he’s going to play his way,” Turner said, via the Panthers official website. “He’s going to run — that’s what makes him the dynamic player he is — but also making the throws in the pocket, going through his reads. All of those things come from experience, and he’s played seven seasons now.”
Carolina brought Turner in to help with Newton’s accuracy, among other things. As far as Turner is concerned, he can help Newton improve upon his 58.5 career completion percentage without changing the three-time Pro Bowler’s style of play.
“A lot of things go into that — your eyes, your feet and ultimately your decision making. If you can get those three things down in regards to your completion percentage, a lot of times instead of trying to make the high-degree-of-difficulty throw, you can get the ball to the back or tight end,” Turner added. “He doesn’t need changing; he just needs to be the best version of Cam Newton.”
Newton got off to a slow start in 2017 in part because of a shoulder injury. He had a great response during training camp when asked if he planned to run less, and you can expect him to take the same approach this offseason.
