Cam helping to pave the way for black mobile QBs

[top dawg]

Cam Newton has certainly been a game changer on the field. His peers that must face him on the other side of the ball respect him as the "most underrated  QB," and that should speak volumes. It speaks volumes! For me "underrated" by his peers may easily translate to "underappreciated" by some analysts, sports writers and fans, and maybe even "disrespected" by his haters (for not only "football-purist" reasons, but other reasons that transcend football). But Cam Newton is also a game changer off the field as well.

Newton's play, however imperfect, certainly has opened up the imagination of NFL front offices across the league. Some people no longer dismiss the notion of a "running quarterback" out of hand. They now view it as not only a valuable something-extra to have in your arsenal, but maybe even a viable alternative to feature to some extent in the offense. And being candid, a "running QB" has historically been viewed as a black QB that really can't throw from the pocket and relies on his legs to move the ball. A QB that is white and mobile is not considered a "running QB," he is considered a white QB (and everything positive that comes with it) that can run. But the decidedly negative stereotypes about mobile black QBs do remain, and this hasn't escaped Newton who reportedly helped Lamar Jackson by hooking him up with Ozzie Newsome.

Via USA Today:

"According to William Rhoden at the Undefeated, Newton went out of his way to help Jackson by giving his number to general manaer Ozzie Newsome to pass on.

Newton knows the deck is somewhat stacked against players with a similar background and skill-set. He was just polled as the most underrated QB in the league by his defensive-playing peers. Cam says he wants to help Jackson by serving as an outlet, per Rhoden."

Here is what Cam had to say:

"I just wanted to be a vessel or an outlet for him. . . I just know being an African-American quarterback in this league, you’re facing different things than another quarterback might be facing and a lot of it is, your gift may be your curse. Your running ability may be something that people look down upon."

 

I have been critical of Cam before about being too concerned about his brand as it pertained to his decidedly noncommittal stance pertaining to Colin Kaepernick, but he is doing his thing, however low key, by helping QBs like Jackson and Deshaun Watson, and likely other QBs who may have to deal with similar stereotypical barriers that can be just as real as any barrier of steel or concrete meant to separate humankind from realizing that people are people at the end of the day.

Getting specifically back to the NFL, maybe it will take a black QB with the running skills of Cam Newton and the accuracy of Drew Brees for the NFL to get where it needs to be in its thinking about mobile, black QBs, but it isn't there yet, and Newton knows this firsthand.  Seeing Randall Cunningham couldn't do it. The extraordinary play of Russell Wilson apparently isn't doing it. The electrifying display of Cam Newton, even when healthy, obviously isn't doing it. But with Newton's support, maybe the play of Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, or some largely unknown talent not yet on the radar finally will.

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/11/cam-newton-takes-ravens-lamar-jackson-under-his-wing/

[TheMaulClaw]

10 minutes ago, top dawg said:

Cam Newton has certainly been a game changer on the field. His peers that must face him on the other side of the ball respect him as the "most underrated  QB," and that should speak volumes. It speaks volumes! For me "underrated" by his peers may easily translate to "underappreciated" by some analysts, sports writers and fans, and maybe even "disrespected" by his haters (for not only "football-purist" reasons, but other reasons that transcend football). But Cam Newton is also a game changer off the field as well.

Newton's play, however imperfect, certainly has opened up the imagination of NFL front offices across the league. Some people no longer dismiss the notion of a "running quarterback" out of hand. They now view it as not only a valuable something-extra to have in your arsenal, but maybe even a viable alternative to feature to some extent in the offense. And being candid, a "running QB" has historically been viewed as a black QB that really can't throw from the pocket and relies on his legs to move the ball. A QB that is white and mobile is not considered a "running QB," he is considered a white QB (and everything positive that comes with it) that can run. But the decidedly negative stereotypes about mobile black QBs do remain, and this hasn't escaped Newton who reportedly helped Lamar Jackson by hooking him up with Ozzie Newsome.

Via USA Today:

"According to William Rhoden at the Undefeated, Newton went out of his way to help Jackson by giving his number to general manaer Ozzie Newsome to pass on.

Newton knows the deck is somewhat stacked against players with a similar background and skill-set. He was just polled as the most underrated QB in the league by his defensive-playing peers. Cam says he wants to help Jackson by serving as an outlet, per Rhoden."

Here is what Cam had to say:

"I just wanted to be a vessel or an outlet for him. . . I just know being an African-American quarterback in this league, you’re facing different things than another quarterback might be facing and a lot of it is, your gift may be your curse. Your running ability may be something that people look down upon."

 

I have been critical of Cam before about being too concerned about his brand as it pertained to his decidedly noncommittal stance pertaining to Colin Kaepernick, but he is doing his thing, however low key, by helping QBs like Jackson and Deshaun Watson, and likely other QBs who may have to deal with similar stereotypical barriers that can be just as real as any barrier of steel or concrete meant to separate humankind from realizing that people are people at the end of the day.

Getting specifically back to the NFL, maybe it will take a black QB with the running skills of Cam Newton and the accuracy of Drew Brees for the NFL to get where it needs to be in its thinking about mobile, black QBs, but it isn't there yet, and Newton knows this firsthand.  Seeing Randall Cunningham couldn't do it. The extraordinary play of Russell Wilson apparently isn't doing it. The electrifying display of Cam Newton, even when healthy, obviously isn't doing it. But with Newton's support, maybe the play of Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, or some largely unknown talent not yet on the radar finally will.

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/11/cam-newton-takes-ravens-lamar-jackson-under-his-wing/

Dude...you're wrong.  You know who paved the way for mobile QBs of color?  Randall Cunningham. Then followed by Mike Vick.  You know who Cam probably closely resembles as a player that I've seen....Steve Mcnair. Titans did it twice....they drafted Vince Young high in the draft to operate in a Cam-like role.  Cam has definitely helped serve has a further bridge.  But plenty of teams tried it before. Philly with Donovan Mcnabb. Minny with Dante Culpepper. NO with Aaron Brooks.  Cinci did it back to back with Jeff Blake (beautiful deep ball) and Akili Smith.

Let's not forget Warren Moon and Doug Williams.  I know you're using the term "mobile" but how bout we just say QBs.  Notice all these names I've given you predate Cam's arrival in the league.

[top dawg]

11 minutes ago, TheMaulClaw said:

Dude...you're wrong.  You know who paved the way for mobile QBs of color?  Randall Cunningham. Then followed by Mike Vick.  You know who Cam probably closely resembles as a player that I've seen....Steve Mcnair. Titans did it twice....they drafted Vince Young high in the draft to operate in a Cam-like role.  Cam has definitely helped serve has a further bridge.  But plenty of teams tried it before. Philly with Donovan Mcnabb. Minny with Dante Culpepper. NO with Aaron Brooks.  Cinci did it back to back with Jeff Blake (beautiful deep ball) and Akili Smith.

Let's not forget Warren Moon and Doug Williams.  I know you're using the term "mobile" but how bout we just say QBs.  Notice all these names I've given you predate Cam's arrival in the league.

The road is still being paved. That's the point you're missing. Moreover, I can't say that Cunningham or Vick (probably not with all his troubles) reached out to Cam or anyone else. Not saying that they didn't or havn't, just that I haven't heard about it.

Anyway, the road hasn't stopped. Others are still paving the way. Cam is doing his thing.

Perhaps you want me to put in a derivative of "help" somewhere?

[Khyber53]

9 minutes ago, TheMaulClaw said:

Dude...you're wrong.  You know who paved the way for mobile QBs of color?  Randall Cunningham. Then followed by Mike Vick.  You know who Cam probably closely resembles as a player that I've seen....Steve Mcnair. Titans did it twice....they drafted Vince Young high in the draft to operate in a Cam-like role.  Cam has definitely helped serve has a further bridge.  But plenty of teams tried it before. Philly with Donovan Mcnabb. Minny with Dante Culpepper. NO with Aaron Brooks.  Cinci did it back to back with Jeff Blake (beautiful deep ball) and Akili Smith.

Let's not forget Warren Moon and Doug Williams.  I know you're using the term "mobile" but how bout we just say QBs.  Notice all these names I've given you predate Cam's arrival in the league.

You could also draw Fran Tarkenton in if you want to go back to the prototypical mobile QB. He gave opposing teams fits with wild scrambles and QB keepers. He did say of his running abilities, though, that he was purely running for his life most of the time. Steve Young's mobility was also a huge part of his game, at least early on. Those guys and Randall Cunningham really set the mould for what was to come.

[top dawg]

I also think it's arguable as to which QB's running game has actually been legitimately incorporated into the game before Cam Newton. Cam Newton has been somewhat of a trailblazer in his own right from a purely football perspective.

[JARROD]

The thing that’s different about Cam than most starting NFL quarterbacks or anyone for that matter is reaching out aggressively to be there emotionally and for inspiration.

as he said, he felt totally alone when it was him so he doesn’t want others to feel that way. 

We also have more black quarterbacks than ever in the league so him putting himself out there as a leader just shows how character.

it ways he “mentored” Desean Watson in high school, has been there for Winston, Dak, and Lamar,..

They all seem to have good character and they don’t go around making a thing of it, they just stay positive, neutral, and play hard. 

I think that’s the way to go. 

[TheMaulClaw]

3 minutes ago, top dawg said:

The road is still being paved. That's the point you're missing. Moreover, I can't say that Cunningham or Vick (probably not with all his troubles) reached out to Cam or anyone else. Not saying that they didn't or havn't, just that I haven't heard about it.

Anyway, the road hasn't stopped. Others are still paving the way. Cam is doing his thing.

Perhaps you want me to put in a derivative of "help" somewhere?

Well that's why I added that he's helped serve as a further bridge.  There also have been guys that have have validated some concerns of mobile qbs and I don't mean of color.  The Golden Calf of Bristol was a mobile qb washout.  RG3 did mobile qbs no favors.  

There are a few guys that are on the fence....they could end up great...it could end up awful.  Deshaun Watson can ball....but injuries and failure to show up in the playoffs are going to haunt him. 

Lamar Jackson had a decent year....but I'll be interested to see if he can hold up.  Cam's a much bigger solid physical specimen...and at 30 even he's had a hard time staying healthy.  Which leads to the real issue.

Mobile QBs are great...but what's their shelf life compared to a pocket QB?  I think you could be looking at a 5 year career difference.  Cam at 35 running the ball, and Brees when he was 35 throwing the football show this difference in longevity.  I think that's why some teams stay away from running Qbs.

[top dawg]

1 minute ago, TheMaulClaw said:

Well that's why I added that he's helped serve as a further bridge.  There also have been guys that have have validated some concerns of mobile qbs and I don't mean of color.  The Golden Calf of Bristol was a mobile qb washout.  RG3 did mobile qbs no favors.  

There are a few guys that are on the fence....they could end up great...it could end up awful.  Deshaun Watson can ball....but injuries and failure to show up in the playoffs are going to haunt him. 

Lamar Jackson had a decent year....but I'll be interested to see if he can hold up.  Cam's a much bigger solid physical specimen...and at 30 even he's had a hard time staying healthy.  Which leads to the real issue.

Mobile QBs are great...but what's their shelf life compared to a pocket QB?  I think you could be looking at a 5 year career difference.  Cam at 35 running the ball, and Brees when he was 35 throwing the football show this difference in longevity.  I think that's why some teams stay away from running Qbs.

If someone plays smart, I contend that they can have as long of a career as any QB. It's not necessarily the running that got Cam, but sorry protection.

I expect Russell Wilson to have a long career (if they protect him like they have some sense).

[TheMaulClaw]

23 minutes ago, top dawg said:

If someone plays smart, I contend that they can have as long of a career as any QB. It's not necessarily the running that got Cam, but sorry protection.

I expect Russell Wilson to have a long career (if they protect him like they have some sense).

There's a big difference between the games of Russell and Cam.  Russell also slides, gets the ball out quick, and always has been a passer first.  He also hasn't been used nearly as extensively in the read option power run game as Cam. Occasionally he is, and he's a great bootleg QB.  Also most of his designed are runs are to the sidelines.

You're right protection does play a big part of it.  It is harder to protect for a running QB though. Not to say our protection issues are only Cam's fault. Our protection as been awful, and we got backups injured in back to back games after Cam went out. A testament to Cam's toughness.   Now Wilson hasn't had particularly great protection either. I'm thinking he may be one of the best all time at running backwards for 20 yards and slinging an accurate pass twirling around off his back foot .  Also Wilson has great throwing mechanics. We have to admit....if you could swap Wilson's throwing motion with Cam's you'd do it in a heart beat.  

Cam up to this point definitely had velocity on his throws. His pocket awareness has never been as good as Wilson's.  He has improper throwing mechanics which is why this shoulder keeps lingering.  

Guys who don't have proper throwing technique probably won't make it as long.

Overall I'd say the difference in RW and CN are this.  Russell Wilson was a baseball player with a rifle for an arm with great mechanics.  He just happened to be very mobile. Don't get me wrong if RW's shoulder was screwed he'd be toast.  If RW was limited to the same mobility as let's say Drew Brees he'd still have success.  Just my opinion.

Cam when his shoulder is healthy has a freaking rocket.  When the shoulder was good.....one of the strongest arms I've ever watched...maybe the strongest.  However his failure to utilize his lower body during throwing the ball has resulted in inaccuracy and avoidable torque being put on his throwing shoulder that's now left him vulnerable.  If Cam was limited to the same mobility has Drew Brees....I just don't think he'd be nearly as successful as it sits right now. 

[TheRed]

Very admirable. Proud of Cam.

It's revealing when you see dudes like MaulClaw jump in here ready to take even something like this away from Newton for no reason at all. Just instinct on his part. People still can't handle how wrong they were regarding Newton's character predraft.

[ellis]

I haven’t thought of Cam Newton as a “black quarterback” since.....ever. 

[TheMaulClaw]

1 minute ago, TheRed said:

Very admirable. Proud of Cam.

It's revealing when you see dudes like MaulClaw jump in here ready to take even something like this away from Newton for no reason at all. Just instinct on his part. People still can't handle how wrong they were regarding Newton's character predraft.

Dude's like Maulclaw?  Oh I get it....you're still mad about the Tinderbox stuff during the election...that's why you troll.  

It was a fair synopsis and thread comment..  I like Cam....like all the other Panthers I cheer like hell, but honestly evaluate during the off season.  Equality is when you treat people the same way. Not worse....or BETTER.

[top dawg]

1 minute ago, TheMaulClaw said:

There's a big difference between the games of Russell and Cam.  Russell also slides, gets the ball out quick, and always has been a passer first.  He also hasn't been used nearly as extensively in the read option power run game as Cam. Occasionally he is, and he's a great bootleg QB.  Also most of his designed are runs are to the sidelines.

You're right protection does play a big part of it.  It is harder to protect for a running QB though. Not to say our protection issues are only Cam's fault. Our protection as been awful, and we got backups injured in back to back games after Cam went out. A testament to Cam's toughness.   Now Wilson hasn't had particularly great protection either. I'm thinking he may be one of the best all time at running backwards for 20 yards and slinging and accurate pass twirling around off his back foot .  Also Wilson has great throwing mechanics. We have to admit....if you could swap Wilson's throwing motion with Cam's you'd do it in a heart beat.  

Cam up to this point definitely had velocity on his throws. His pocket awareness has never been as good as Wilson's, and he has iproper throwing mechanics which is why this shoulder keeps lingering.  

Guys who don't have proper throwing technique probably won't make it as long.

Overall I'd say the difference in RW and CN are this.  Russell Wilson was a baseball player with a rifle for an arm with great mechanics.  He just happened to be very mobile. Don't get me wrong if RW's shoulder was screwed he'd be toast.  If RW was limited to the same mobility as let's say Drew Brees he's still have success.  

Cam when his shoulder is healthy has a freaking rocket.  When the shoulder was good.....one of the strongest arms I've ever watched...maybe the strongest.  However his failure to utilize his lower body during throwing the ball has resulted in inaccuracy and avoidable torque being put on his throwing shoulder that's now left him vulnerable.  If Cam was limited to the same mobility has Drew Brees....I just don't think he'd be nearly as successful as it sits right now. 

But you're really making my ultimate point. Russell Wilson and Cam Newton aren't the same and have differences in their games, but they are both mobile and happen to be black. So, my thing is that the myth of the "running QB" is just that, and that black QBs (who may just be athletically gifted) should be viewed as individuals with different strengths and nuances to their game as Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Eli Manning or anyone else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On an off note, I love Wilson, and don't care who knows it.

[TheMaulClaw]

2 minutes ago, top dawg said:

But you're really making my ultimate point. Russell Wilson and Cam Newton aren't the same and have differences in their games, but they are both mobile and happen to be black. So, my thing is that the myth of the "running QB" is just that, and that black QBs (who may just be athletically gifted) should be viewed as individuals with different strengths and nuances to their game as Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Eli Manning or anyone else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On an off note, I love Wilson, and don't care who knows it.

Oh yeah absolutely.  Any GM that ties color with mental capability of being able to play QB or anything in life should be banned from the game and sent to an island.   My original comments was just more or less stating that there were other black qbs that came before him to help pave the way.  In other words Cam didn't start the fire...but he's just been a great citizen and ambassador.  

This may be my fault.  The way I interpreted the thread title was that Cam was the reason teams are more open to black mobile qbs, and I just don't think that's entirely true.  I mean he was drafted number one.  It's not like he was a late round pick that rose to stardom shedding misconceptions along the way.  Guy was picked number 1.