Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Cam Newton's Star Turn

[nctarheel0619]

Do you remember what was once said about Cam Newton?

It wasn't just the now-infamous comment about him having a "fake smile." It was much more. There was a sense that Newton was some type of Manchurian Player. There was something faulty inside of him, like wiring that could go wrong at any time. The talk about him as he entered the league, from those in the league and those not, was extremely personal.

It was summed up by this fat paragraph about Newton from Nolan Nawrocki in Pro Football Weekly's draft preview (via NFL.com):

Very disingenuous—has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law—does not command respect from teammates and will always struggle to win a locker room...Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness—is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable.

Fake smile.

Fast forward to now. Instead of that caricature of Newton, what has emerged is something entirely different. A mature Newton. A tough Newton. The type of talent you build a franchise around.

Of all the 3-0 teams, to me, the most impressive is Newton's Panthers. He has gotten to 3-0 with maybe the least amount of offensive talent around him in all of football.

I'm not saying there's no talent around him. He has tight end Greg Olsen, who is good. But the receivers he works with are, well, fairly terrible. It's not a great offensive line. No elite backs.

No offense to Olsen, but when he's your second-best offensive player, that says a great deal.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2572871-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-cam-newtons-star-turn

We got one in Carolina fellas.  Enjoy him while we can.  Praise!!!!!!!

[Cary Kollins]

 

Saw this article. While I appreciate where Freeman is coming from, it's almost as if he validates the Naworcki types by saying that Newton is a "success story".

 

[nctarheel0619]

 

Saw this article. While I appreciate where Freeman is coming from, it's almost as if he validates the Naworcki types by saying that Newton is a "success story".

 

Well, he did need to mature after college.  But most NFL players do.  I don't think he validates Naworcki though.  

[Moorgan]

 

Saw this article. While I appreciate where Freeman is coming from, it's almost as if he validates the Naworcki types by saying that Newton is a "success story".

 

Totally agree. That Naworcki article was an absolute hit piece and this doesn't refute it...it validates it and says he's changed or "grown". I hate even re-reading that garbage from back then.

[TheNewStandard]

Can is an enigma to the major media outlets and basicallyNy non-Panther fan. It's pure vitriol. 

Cam should beoomed as

t and compared to Roethkesberger and Rivers as to his pocket presence and Is the best mobile QB in the league. 

If if the entire country watched any of the Panthers games this season, if they aren't impressed, they're blind and straight haters to come back and not be impressed with his skill-set and production/decision making.

[Donald LaFell]

 

Saw this article. While I appreciate where Freeman is coming from, it's almost as if he validates the Naworcki types by saying that Newton is a "success story".

 

that is what is frustrating, people talk about his improvement when his baseline was never that low. Such a backhanded compliment.