The Carolina Panthers have been terrible this season, and it starts with Cam Newton. The former Auburn star’s fourth NFL season has been his worst, as he has thrown just 10 touchdown passes and rushed for two in nine games. Are injuries to blame?
Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reports that Newton has been dealing with two lower-leg injuries in recent weeks. It has seemed obvious that his surgically-repaired ankle is not 100%, but Newton is now feeling pain in his right foot that Panthers trainers believe stems from compensating for soreness in his left ankle.
Newton limped throughout much of Monday night’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Panthers’ offensive line did him no favors, as Newton took nine sacks. But there were times where it seemed like he was literally standing still in the pocket, unable to step up or make anyone miss.
As Garafolo notes, Newton was also seen stretching his groin or hamstring area on the sideline at one point. He didn’t make excuses after the game.
“I have to protect the football better,” Newton said. “I can’t throw the football up for grabs and have to understand the difference between giving my guys a chance or opportunity and risking the football. In the pocket, man I got to do better.”
Newton hasn’t missed any practice time since September, but he might this week. The shocking thing is the NFC South has been so bad that the Panthers, at 3-6-1, are just one game behind the New Orleans Saints for first place. Given the way they looked on Monday, there isn’t much to be optimistic about.
