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Steve Smith "Cam has gone from playing checkers to playing chess"

The Golden Child

By The Golden Child,
in Carolina Panthers

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PhillyB Grand Master

PhillyB

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Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera recently succumbed to a football epiphany that has transformed him from one of the NFL's most conservative coaches to a man suddenly adopting the nickname -- if not the persona -- of a riverboat gambler.

Rivera explained his conversion on "The NFL Coaches Podcast" Monday, acknowledging that he has made a conscious effort not to conservatively "play it by the book" in key situations.

What's interesting in Carolina's 62-point differential over the past four games is the dichotomy between Rivera's newfound aggressiveness and quarterback Cam Newton's sudden willingness to manage the game rather than uncorking wild downfield passes when the situation demands otherwise.

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith told NFL Media's Rich Hollenberg on Tuesday that Newton has gone "from playing checkers to playing chess." In other words, the young quarterback is thinking more and trusting his teammates instead of forcing potential game-changing plays that aren't there.

 

In breaking down Panthers game film, NFL Media's Bucky Brooks explains that Newton finally has begun to take the check-down or scramble to pick up positive yards when deeper routes are covered.

NFL Media's Charley Casserly concurred on Tuesday's edition of "Around the League Primetime," noting on NFL Network that the biggest difference in Newton's play has been more decisiveness from getting through his progressions at a faster rate. Casserly also pointed out that Newton is taking fewer chances, the coaches have cut out some of the more complex read-option concepts and the offensive line and running game are both operating at a higher level.

The result has not only meant more sustained drives and fewer three-and-outs, but also the most efficient numbers of the quarterback's career.

Newton is the only NFL quarterback this season with passer ratings of at least 136.0 in consecutive games. His completion rate of 88.2 in Sunday's convincing victory over the Rams was the highest in franchise history.

Newton's more buttoned-up playing style has been the perfect complement to an athletic, swarming defense that ranks in the top five in scoring, total defense, rushing and passing.

As long as Rivera and Newton don't lapse into their previous bad habits, the Panthers are in the driver's seat for the NFC's final playoff spot.

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PhillyB Grand Master

PhillyB

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As long as Rivera and Newton don't lapse into their previous bad habits, the Panthers are in the driver's seat for the NFC's final playoff spot.

 

 

 

also: if this level of play keeps up and the saints stumble down the stretch, we have an excellent chance of beating them twice in three weeks and taking the division lead. look for the atlanta game to be flexed in week 17 :)

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footballisasport Newbie

footballisasport

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I wonder why didn't the guy ask Smitty what he meant instead of interpreting it in the usual, Cam doesn't use his head fashion that plays right into their image of a kid who isn't very intelligent like the other QBs.

 

In all honesty, I find the compliments about Cam and Rivera very backhanded. Did they focus on anyone else on the Offense besides Cam?

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iamhubby1 Veteran

iamhubby1

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This is pretty much the Cam everyone envisioned coming into the year. A more refined version of last half of the year Cam.

Cam's epiphany last year happened during and after the Colts debacle. He took the checkdowns, flats, intermediates, and learned to throw a mean screen. We went 5-2 and we just knew Cam had just broken out.

Cam's epiphany this year was late in the 1st quarter against the Giants. Since then, he has had 1 bad quarter.

If as I fear, Cam does indeed gots this. Our Offense, as good as its been, is only going to improve. Teamed with our Defense, this team has it going on.

You guys know I like to keep it real, and try to stay within reason in regards to my giddy. But I tell ya what. My giddy is itching to get out and spread its wings.

I still claim the future started last year when Cam turned the corner. We are 8-5 since then. Maybe not great, but respectable to say the least. If we finish 11-5 as I suspect, we would be 16-8 in the last 24. Not bad if you ask me.

Ah hellz, what do I know. I am just a damm yankee, with Hillbilly inlaws that still scare him after 20+ years.

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CarolinaCoolin Newbie

CarolinaCoolin

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also: if this level of play keeps up and the saints stumble down the stretch, we have an excellent chance of beating them twice in three weeks and taking the division lead. look for the atlanta game to be flexed in week 17 :)

I would think if we keep winning our first saints game would be flexed into primetime

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