Who is Cam Newton? On July 29, 2011, Cam Newton signed a four-year deal worth over $22 million with the Carolina Panthers that is fully guaranteed.[55] After unsuccessfully negotiating with QB Jimmy Clausen for the #2 jersey Newton wore at Auburn, he decided to keep the #1 jersey that the Panthers had assigned him after the draft.[56][57] His quarterbacks coach was Mike Shula, former head football coach of his college rival Alabama. A month later on September 1, 2011, he was named the Panthers starting quarterback, ahead of Derek Anderson and Clausen. In his NFL debut game on September 11, 2011, Newton was 24–37 passing for 422 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception, in a 28–21 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals. With a quarterback rating of 110.4, he also rushed for a touchdown, and became the first rookie to throw for 400+ yards in his first career game. His 422 passing yards broke Peyton Mannings rookie record for most passing yards on opening day.[58] Newton hands the ball off on his first professional career play. Newton coming out of the tunnel in 2011. In his second career game, a 30–23 home loss to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, Newton broke his own record, set the weekend previously, with 432 yards passing, throwing and rushing for a touchdown.[59] Newtons 854 passing yards through the first two games of the season, the most in league history by a rookie,[60] broke the NFL record of 827 set by Kurt Warner in the 2000 season and stood as the most by any quarterback in the first two weeks of the season until New Englands Tom Brady broke the mark again later in the day with 940.[60] He also became the only player to begin his career with consecutive 400-yard passing games[61] and broke the Carolina Panthers franchise record of 547 yards previously held by Steve Beuerlein.[62] After Newtons second career game, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers commented I think someone said in the locker room that Im kind of glad we played him early in the season because when he figures it out fully, hes going to be even tougher to stop.[62] Newtons three additional interceptions against the Packers tied him for the most interceptions thrown in the league. His total passing yards over the first three games was 1,012 yards. The Panthers recorded their first victory of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars 16–10. Newton threw for 158 yards and 1 touchdown. The Panthers played the Atlanta Falcons, losing 31–17 while passing for 237 yards with no passing touchdowns. Newton increased his teams record to 2–5 with a week 7 win over the Washington Redskins 33–20. He threw for 256 yards and 1 touchdown, completing 18 of his 23 passes. He also rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown, including one run for 25 yards. This performance brought Cam a passer rating of 127.5, his highest yet. With Carolinas win over the Indianapolis Colts, Newton became the fourth rookie quarterback to pass for over 3,000 yards in his first season, joining Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, and Sam Bradford. Newton set the NFL rushing touchdown record for quarterbacks on December 4, 2011, rushing for his 13th touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter against Tampa Bay. It was his third of the game which resulted in a 38–19 win. In that game, he also caught a 27-yard pass from WR Legedu Naanee, making him a triple threat.[63] On December 24, 2011 in a 48–16 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Newton threw for 171 yards and 3 TDs and also rushed for 65 yards and a score. In the process, he broke Peyton Mannings record of 3,739 yards passing for a rookie. On January 1, 2012 against the New Orleans Saints, Newton threw for 158 yards and becoming the first rookie QB to throw for 4,000 yards. He finished his rookie season with 4,051 yards. Over the course of the season, when Newton had a turnover, the team was 0–10; when he had no turnovers, the team went 6–0. Newton calling a play. On January 22, 2012 Newton was named to be heading to the Pro Bowl after the New York Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Because Eli Manning was one of the three QBs for the NFC to be selected, and with Newton being picked as the NFC alternate later in December, Newton was able to play in the Pro Bowl with Manning headed to the Super Bowl. He finished the Pro Bowl with 186 yards along with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Newton was named both AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year on February 4, 2012. He became the second straight number one pick to win the AP Rookie of the Year, after Sam Bradford won it the previous season. He was also the first Panther to win the Offensive award, but the second Panthers rookie of the year, following Julius Peppers, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002. Cam received his Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year awards on the inaugural NFL Honors award show, with 47 of the 50 possible 50 AP votes (the other 3 going to Andy Dalton). He also landed the number 5 and 2 play of the year with his 49-yard TD run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5), and his TD fumblerooski to Richie Brockel vs. the Houston Texans. He has the nickname Superman due to his touchdown celebration. 2012 season[edit] Cam Newtons sophomore season got off to a bumpy start at the Buccaneers when the Panthers lost 16–10 in spite of Newton going 23/33 for 303 yards and a touchdown, but with 2 costly interceptions. A week later, Newton would get his first career victory over the Saints in a 35–27 home win, going 14/20 for 253 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 71 yards and an additional touchdown. 4 days later, the Panthers began week 3 in a home game against the Giants. Newton struggled in the 36–7 loss as he went 16/30 for 242 yards for 3 interceptions, despite rushing for the Panthers only touchdown of the game. A week later, the Panthers traveled to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. Cam Newton would lead the Panthers to a 28–27 lead late in the 4th quarter, however, after a costly fumble turned what would have been a game sealing first down into a 4th and short, the Panthers conservatively chose to punt, and the Falcons subsequently drove into field goal range from their own 1-yard line to cap the 30–28 victory. The Panthers returned home for a week 5 duel against the Seattle Seahawks, where Cam went 12/29 for 141 yards in the 16–12 loss. Returning from their bye, the Panthers stayed home to take on the Cowboys, where Cam went 21/37 for 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 19–14 loss. A week later, Newton was 20/39 for 314 yards with 2 interceptions in a 23–22 road loss to the Bears. Cam lead his team to a 21–13 victory over the RG3-led Redskins a week later in the final regular season loss for Washington in what would be known as Redskins Rule year. Newton would go 13/23 for 201 yards with a touchdown while rushing for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Carolina offense struggled against the Broncos a week later, with Cam passing for 21/36 for 241 yards with 2 touchdowns, but two costly interceptions a career-high 7 times against Cam ultimately led to a lopsided Panthers loss. The Panthers struggles continued when another late-game lead was blown in what would eventually be a 27–21 home loss in overtime against the Buccaneers. Later, in Cams first career Monday Night Football game, the Panthers performed well against a collapsing Eagles team without their quarterback, Michael Vick. While Vicks backup Nick Foles struggled, Newton had a stellar night, going 18/28 for 306 yards and 2 passing touchdowns with an additional 52 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing in the 30–22 win. After losing to a Chiefs team playing inspired football following the Jovan Belcher tragedy, the Panthers returned home for Round 2 of 2012s I-85 rivalry. Newton and the Panthers upset a 1-loss Falcons team, where Cam threw 23/25 for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for a career-high 116 yards and a career long 72 rushing touchdown as the young QB completed his 4th straight game without a turnover. The Panthers eventually finished their season without a loss, and although this team-rally failed to impact the Panthers playoff hopes, many believe this ultimately saved the job of their head coach, Ron Rivera, for at least another season. Though this season could be seen by some as a Sophomore Slump, it should be noted that although Cams season was not as spectacular as his rookie season, he did improve in many statistical categories, improved on his efficiency, and cut back on his turnovers. Cams noticeable decline in rushing touchdowns is due partially to the Panthers signing Mike Tolbert before the season began. Tolbert, a versatile fullback, was able to punch in the goal line touchdowns that Cam excelled with his rookie season. Though this offensive decision was a tragedy to many fantasy owners, the intent was to reduce the contact put on Cam by defenders who could anticipate Cam rushing the ball in obvious red zone situations. Newton also led the league in Yards Per Completion (13.8) [64] and was 2nd in Yards Per Attempt (8.0) behind Robert Griffin III. 2013 Season[edit] Cam Newton in 2014 Pro Bowl. Cam Newton and his team went off to a slow start in Week 1 against the Seahawks as Newton threw 16/23 for 125 yards and a touchdown and also sacked once in the 12-7 loss at home. A week later, Cam faced the Bills in which they led the majority of the game but the young QB struggled as he went 21/38 for 229 yards for 2 touchdowns but also threw an interception and was sacked 6 times in the surprising 24-23 loss on the road. In Week 3, the Panthers returned home to take on the Giants. Cam went 15/27 for 223 yards for 3 touchdowns, an interception, a sack, and rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown which would be his first of the season in the 38-0 win despite being sacked once. Coming off their bye week, Newton struggled on the road against the Cardinals as he went 21/39 for 308 yards while throwing 3 interceptions, being sacked 7 times and losing a fumble in the 22-6 loss, he would rebound a week later against Minnesota as he went 20/26 for 242 yards while throwing 3 touchdown passes and being sacked once but also ran for 30 yards and a touchdown in the 35-10 road win. The season turned out to be a success, with Newton leading his team to a 12-4 record and a first round bye in the Playoffs. Newton was selected for the 2014 Pro Bowl. The week after he lost his first NFL playoff game to the San Francisco 49ers. [65] Newton was drafted 3rd in the first annual Pro Bowl Draft, by Team Sanders. Newton played the second and third quarter, and rushed for a touchdown. NFL career statistics[edit] Note: Statistics are correct through Week 17 of the 2013 NFL season. Regular season statistics Passing Rushing Fumbles Season Team GP GS Comp Att Pct Yds TD INT Rate Att Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 2011 Carolina Panthers 16 16 310 517 60.0 4,051 21 17 84.5 126 706 5.6 49T 14 5 2 2012 Carolina Panthers 16 16 280 485 57.7 3,869 19 12 86.2 127 741 5.8 72T 8 10 3 2013 Carolina Panthers 16 16 292 473 61.7 3,379 24 13 88.8 111 585 5.3 56 6 3 1 Totals 48 48 882 1,475 59.8 11,299 64 42 86.4 364 2,032 5.6 72 28 18 6 Playoffs statistics Passing Rushing Fumbles Season Team GP GS Comp Att Pct Yds TD INT Rate Att Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 2013 Carolina Panthers 1 1 16 25 64.0 267 1 2 79.9 10 54 5.4 11 0 0 0 Totals 1 1 16 25 64.0 267 1 2 79.9 10 54 5.4 11 0 0 0 NFL accomplishments and records[edit] NFL records[edit] Rookie records[edit] 2nd most passing yards by a rookie in a game (432), September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers 2nd most passing yards by a rookie in a season (4,051), 2011 First rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back to back games, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[66] First rookie in NFL history to throw for 10 touchdowns and run for 10 touchdowns in a season. First rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. Most total touchdowns by a rookie NFL player: 35 (21 pass, 14 rush). 2nd most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback: 706 Along with Andy Dalton, the two make the first pair of rookie QBs to make the Pro Bowl. Most total yards by a rookie quarterback: 4,784. Records[edit] Most passing yards by a quarterback in debut game (422), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals Most passing yards by a quarterback in first two games (854), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[67] First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals Sixth quarterback to throw for 400+ yards in back to back games First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[66] Fastest player to throw for 1,000 yards (at Arizona Cardinals, vs. Green Bay Packers, and vs. Jacksonville Jaguars) First player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games[68] Most rushing touchdowns in single season by a quarterback (14), achieved on December 4, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Second player in NFL history with 20+ pass TDs and 10+ rush TDs in a season, joining Kordell Stewart (97) First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 10+ rush TDs in a season First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 500+ rush yards in a season Had a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the same game eight times, tying the NFL single-season record – previously accomplished by Steve Grogan of the New England Patriots in 1976 and Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings in 2002 Twenty-fifth NFL player (and first quarterback) to have 20 rushing TDs in first two seasons First QB in NFL history with at least 500 yards rushing in first two seasons First player in NFL history to have over 250 passing yards and over 100 rushing yards with a passing TD and rushing TD in a game (vs. Falcons on September 12, 2012 - 287 yards passing & 2 TDs, 116 yds rushing & 1 TD) First player to have 30 passing TDs and 20 rushing TDs in first two seasons Highest average yards of total offense, career (293.7) Second player in NFL history with 7,500+ pass yards and 40+ pass TDs in first two seasons, joining Peyton Manning (99) Second most combined passing & rushing yards through his first 37 starts in NFL history (behind Kurt Warner) First player in NFL history with 50 passing TDs and 25 Rushing TDs in his first three seasons First player with 10,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first three seasons Carolina Panthers franchise records[edit] Rookie season quarterback records: completions (310), yards (4,051), passing touchdowns (21), completion percentage (60%), passer rating (84.5) Highest average yards per carry in a season (5.83 in 2012) Longest offensive scoring play (91-yard pass) to Brandon LaFell, December 24, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Second rookie to make Pro Bowl (with Steve Smith in 2001) First Panther to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Most passing attempts without an interception (176) NFL accomplishments[edit] AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year 2012 Pro Bowl 2014 Pro Bowl Sporting News Rookie of the Year Offensive Rookie of the Month (1x) Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (3x) Personal[edit] Newton is the son of Cecil Newton, Sr., who was cut as a safety from the pre-season rosters of the 1983 Dallas Cowboys and 1984 Buffalo Bills,[69][70] and the younger brother of Cecil Newton, Jr., a center who most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens.[71] Newton is a Christian. Newton spoke about his faith after winning the 2011 BCS National Championship Game saying, It’s just a God thing. I thank God every single day. I’m just His instrument and He’s using me on a consistent basis daily.[72] As a result of the controversies regarding the play for pay scandals and Newtons father Cecils alleged activity with his sons college teams, Cam Newton has been labelled by the derisive nickname Scam Newton since his late college days.[73] In addition to his commitment to football, Newton participates in motivational speaking.[citation needed] Newton became the host of the 2014 Hall of Game Awards.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 06:24:43 +0000
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