Interesting

[Mr. Scot]

Analysis of Newton's first game from Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp on NFL Network (featured on Panthers.com)

Newton impressive but can still improve

Interesting on a couple of points.

First off, I didn't know Marshall Faulk was a big Newton doubter. He talks in this clip like he was, but now believed Newton can play in the NFL.

Of more interest to me though, are the comments of Warren Sapp, for this reason.

Warren Sapp had a profound effect on the career of Donovan McNabb not with a tackle or a sack, but with words. Prior to a playoff game between the Bucs and Eagles, Sapp called McNabb "a runningback who throws". McNabb didn't like the designation, but he let it get into his head. He wanted to be seen as a passer, not a runner. And he went into the Bucs game determined to show that he could win with his arm, not just his legs.

Before that game, McNabb was never shy about taking off and running. This time though, you could see him passing up clear opportunities to run and instead trying to pass. Announcers noticed and commented on it and how it hindered the Eagles offense, and they ended up losing. The Bucs went on to the Super Bowl.

The effects of Sapp's words went beyond that game though. Sapp was a master of mind games as a player, and this was arguably his most brilliant moment. For years after the words had been said, people could see McNabb passing up opportunities to run, apparently still trying to prove he was a passer, not a runner. And analysts argued more than once about whether that mindset cost the Eagles games.

Having long since retired, Sapp has no reason to play mind games with anyone anymore.

So what does he have to say to Newton?

Watch the clip and see for yourself.

[Ricky Spanish]

for those who don't want to watch the video, sapp suggested he run in the redzone more.

[smitty_89]

I have a feeling he will use his legs a lot more against GB this week.

[Mr. Scot]

for those who don't want to watch the video, sapp suggested he run in the redzone more.

Buncha lazy bums :lol:

[nosuchthingasapanther]

there were times in the game when i was wondering why cam wouldn't run.

[Mvp2014]

He did miss a couple of great running opportunities. Nice little segment though

[Mr. Scot]

I'm gonna disagree here.

In week one, I didn't think I saw any times where Newton passed up running opportunities. I did see him being a patient passer, which is good and will hold him in good stead if he keeps it up. Granted, that's a fairly subjective thing, but for me it wasn't there.

Truth be told, there is a fine line between being "pass first" and missing opportunities where running would actually be the smart thing to do.

Coaches generally don't like to have their quarterbacks run much because quarterbacks who run are quarterbacks who get hurt. That said, I'm not sure Rivera and Chudzinski are afraid of that. They don't seem like the type to be averse to risk. That can be a good thing, but it can also come back to bite you.

[countryboi]

sapp said what we all have been saying that Cam needs to run when he gets the chance cause it completely changes the way defenses defend him

[Kettle]

i'm not lazy. i just don't want to switch my headphones over.

[Mr. Scot]

i'm not lazy. i just don't want to switch my headphones over.

Bum :D

[panthers55]

Right now Cam is operating with a pared down playbook which is being added to each week. Not necessarily because he can't handle it but they have had 6 weeks to install the whole offense. I suspect that they are added specific plays for every opponent and then some situationally for where they are on the field. So I would expect to see more redzone plays and options over the next few weeks as well as more planned rollouts and bootlegs.

THis offense is a work in progress and will be for the next several months. So there is a lot of room for improvement across the board.

[CRA]

i agree with Sapp.

also, I can't recall any players outside of the goaline stand....that Carolina actually designed a play where Newton was pretty much designed to run. All have runs have been after all his option were exhausted or he just felt running made the most sense ( the option not to throw to Smitty in the preseaosn).

I think Carolina could do a better job designing his legs to present a bigger problem for defenses. Still seems like Carolina wants thim to be a pocket passer.....need a little more running from Cam (whether it be his choice or clear intent from coaches and not just being the result of desperation)

[Kettle]

Bum :D

I actually saw the segment live anyway. Been watching NFLN on my phone. When it started looping I switched to the watch ESPN app for sportscenter.

[Mr. Scot]

Worth noting that with the Cardinals playing eight in the box for pretty much the whole game, running opportunities would have been limited anyway.

They defended against him fairly well as a run threat. Just not as a passer.

Obviously, I'm happy about that :D