Cam Newton answering the critics in rookie season

Cam Newton maintains he doesn’t pay much attention to critics.

“Honestly, if I were to live my life like that it would be every single day ‘where is this coming from,’” Newton said about the naysayers.  “There are things that are said about me each and every day.  People bring it to my attention, and I just can’t believe where this is coming from. 

ICONNewton's ability has the Panthers offense ranked 5th overall in the NFL. 

“And everyone knows gossip sells.  Sooner or later, a figure comes around where it is a tender topic whether it is good or bad.  Everybody wants to throw their paper in the suggestion box.  But it is irrelevant at the end of the day because you can only do what you control.”

Whether his perspective is true about his doubters is debatable.   

What isn’t questionable is the impact the ex-Auburn star has had on the Carolina Panthers (2-5).  With seven games under his belt, Newton has surpassed all expectations by breaking records and leading an offense, which is ranked No. 5 in the NFL after experiencing a season of finishing near the bottom in several major categories.

Despite a losing record, Newton has brought hope and excitement to Carolina.  He believes he could have played better in spite his excellent numbers.  Moreover, he doesn’t take the credit for being fourth in passing yards (2,103) and second in rushing touchdowns (7) in the NFL. 

He didn’t take credit for last week’s victory over the Washington Redskins, either.

Newton couldn’t do anything wrong against the Redskins.  After throwing three interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons two weeks ago, Newton didn’t have a turnover and completed 18 of 23 passes for 256 yards and a 127.5 passer rating.  He finished with a 127.5 passer rating and rushed for 59 yards on 10 carries.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera gave Newton the game ball for that performance.  But Newton decided to give the ball to the offensive line.      

Asked why he gave the game ball to the offense line, Newton smiled and admitted to wanting to get the big guys’ approval. 

“That’s self explanatory,” he said.  “I’m trying to get some kudos.  I think it’s the most political thing to do.  The offensive line does an excellent job.  So many times people are blinded about individual efforts.  If you look back at the film and see the time that I have back there, something has to be coming around and it never does and then here comes a guy popping wide open.  The defensive back can only cover for so long especially with the talent that we have in the wide receiver position.”

That talented unit includes four-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith, who is coming off two subpar seasons.  Now with Newton in Carolina, Smith is the NFL leader in receiving yards (818 yards on 39 receptions) and looks like one of the best players in the league. 

However, Pro Bowl tackle Jordan Gross isn’t shocked at Newton’s affect on the teammates.  He maintains Newton doesn’t play like a rookie and is mentally tough. 

He points out Newton not only makes big plays but he also takes the pressure off teammates.  He said Newton has given the team consistency at quarterback, which has made the team excited about having him. 

Gross also praised Newton’s ability to bounce back from miscues and turn potential negative plays into highlight films.  He said Netwon’s 25-yard run early in the first quarter shows how the first-year pro can make something out of nothing.   

“It was a big blitz, and he had some pressure, and he got away from a bunch of guys and scrambled,” Gross said about the third-and-9 scramble by Newton early in the first period.  “One thing we (have) learned is when Cam is scrambling is to find somebody to block.  He knows where the first down marker is.  And he is getting better and better by not taking the hit. He knows to get what he can and get out of bounds.  When he is scrambling keep your feet alive that is what we (offensive line) talk about because he is a playmaker.”   

And Gross was just as impressed with the big hit Newton received from three-time Pro Bowl Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo in the second quarter. Orakpo went untouched and hit Newton, which brought “Ooohs” from the crowd. 

“I thought he would fumble because that is the hardest blindside hit that you will get,” Gross said.  “He is tough.  He is strong.”

Newton understands he is getting love from teammates to fans and even converting critics such as ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, who questioned Newton’s ability to be ready for the NFL.   

But Newton believes he could have played better, and the Panthers should have a better record.  On Wednesday, he took a lot of the blame for the Panthers’ five loses.  He said if he had taken care of the ball better the Panthers could possibly be undefeated.  

Newton has nine picks and eight touchdowns going into midway of the season.  However, two of Newton’s interceptions have come on Hail Mary passes at the end of games. 

Newton said he has to continue to study film and practice well to avoid turnovers. 

In addition, he believes it is important the Panthers take one game at a time to turnaround a 1-5 start.  He believes continuing to play with consistency at 1 p.m. today against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium is vital for the Panthers’ second consecutive win. 

Newton said the Panthers can’t overlook the Vikings or any other team.  He said the Vikings have an excellent defense that is led by Jared Allen, who leads the NFL in sacks with 11.5.  He applauded the Vikings’ running game, which is lead by the NFL leading rusher, Adrian Peterson. 

More importantly, Newton also sees the Vikings game as another chance for the Panthers to eliminate their shortcoming and get a win. 

“As far as the team, there are some major pluses as far as to what you see on film and the effort that guys are giving,” Newton said.  “But there are also some question marks.  But we continue to keep fighting each and every week.”

Greg Jones covers the Panthers for Examiner.com

Follow Greg on Twitter: @gjjones_sport