Panthers QB Cam Newton's self-confidence stirs up a debate
In an interview last week with WCCB-TV's Morgan Fogarty, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton declared that no quarterback in NFL history has had his combination of size, speed, arm strength and intangibles.
"I say this with the most humility, but I don't think nobody has ever been who I'm trying to be," Newton told Fogarty. "Nobody has the size, nobody has the speed, nobody has the arm strength, nobody had the intangibles that I've had. I'm not saying I'm the one-on-one type of person that this league will never see again. No, I'm not saying that, hear me out. I'm just saying that so much of my talents have not been seen in one person."
Newton's comments set off a stir among NFL commentators and fans, with some criticizing his boldness and others jumping to his defense.
In his Panther Lair blog, writer Randy Inman noted that Newton's statement will make him look arrogant in the eyes of national media. Inman noted Netwon's pluses and minuses: "He is one of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play from an arm strength and running prospective. He also is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the NFL with accuracy problems that led the Panthers to go after tall receivers to catch Cam’s high throws. "
Bleacher Report's Cian Fahey, in a column posted Tuesday said "there is no doubt Newton is showing off arrogance with his statements."
Fayey noted that Newton isn't on the level of Indianapolis' Andrew Luck or Seattle's Russell Wilson. But he added that Newton "is worthy of a huge contract. He is worthy of being spoken about in ways that Wilson and Luck are."
"He didn't proclaim himself a great player right now, he talked about what he is looking to become," Fahey wrote.
ESPN's David Newton said Newton's comments will 'cause debate' and invite comparisons with athletic quarterbacks like Hall of Famer John Elway and 9-time Pro-Bowler Warren Moon. Newton noted that the Panthers quarterback's running skills and toughness do make him unique in NFL history.
More reaction from Twitter to Newton's statement:
Panthers QB Cam Newton made an interesting comment when asked about his quarterback characteristics. pic.twitter.com/ykoaeqyetY
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 26, 2015.@tthasselbeck says Cam Newton is "wildly gifted" but has much room for improvement. pic.twitter.com/eIiLyBRkja
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 26, 2015List of records set by Cam Newton (Part 1): pic.twitter.com/thT8Iufo9a
— CAR Panthers News (@CarPanthersNews) May 27, 2015New podcast! What offseason narratives should we not trust? And should we trust what Cam Newton says about himself? http://t.co/EfLunlzCsN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 27, 2015A=Peyton Manning B=Cam Newton Entering into 5th NFL Season... pic.twitter.com/G7IZauZBwO
— Bring Back The Buzz™ (@BringBackTheBuz) May 26, 2015One thing about Cam Newton is that he keeps things real. Although it may open doors for critics, I prefer him being that way. Good on him.
— CAR Panthers News (@CarPanthersNews) May 25, 2015Dear Cam Newton, perhaps you have heard of this guy named John Elway. He was everything you are ... And had a better arm.
— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) May 25, 2015Eddie George: "Only a matter of time before we talk about Cam Newton as the MVP of the NFL"
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) May 22, 2015This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 8:39 AM with the headline "Panthers QB Cam Newton's self-confidence stirs up a debate."