Cam feels safer running than in the pocket

[jtnc]

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to reduce Cam Newton's carries.

Good luck with that.

With Newton's running ability giving the Panthers' offense an added dimension, particularly in the red zone, the rookie quarterback continues to get between seven to 10 carries a game.

And that's fine with Newton.

“Honestly, I take more hits in the pocket than I do outside the pocket. In the pocket, I don't see who's coming. That can be more dangerous than when you're running you've got your eyes on a swivel, aware of your surroundings,” Newton said today.

“If I'm running, I know this may sound kind of crazy, but I feel more comfortable with protecting myself rather than in the pocket and being defenseless.”

Newton, who has taken every offensive snap this season, is the Panthers' second-leading rusher with 411 yards on 77 carries.

Last week at Detroit, Newton broke Vince Young's rookie record for quarterbacks with his eighth and ninth rushing touchdowns. He needs four more in the final six games to break Steve Grogan's league record for rushing TDs, a mark that has stood since 1976.

Newton said he admires Young, adding that his thought's before last year's BCS title game including trying to top Young's performance in the 2005 title game vs. Southern Cal.

“He's just an amazing athlete that plays quarterback, and I don't think he gets a lot of credit that he deserves, especially the performance he put on this past Sunday coming off the bench,” Newton said of Young, who led the Eagles to a road win against the Giants while filling in for the injured Michael Vick.

“I don't think his talent is worthy for the bench. But that's something that I guess he had to do,” Newton added. “I have much respect for both of those guys up there – Mike and Vince. But Vince, on the road came out with a big win and that last drive was just unbelievable.”

--Joseph Person

Swipe at the offensive line?

[CRA]

No, in the pocket he can be hit from a blindside and can't always anticipate it....when he is running he knows when and where a hit is coming from. That is why Panther55 always has stated that Cam is most likely to get hurt sitting in the pocket and we shouldn't worry about him running the ball.

in regards to the article, they have reduced his goalline pounding which was the concern early I think.

[fieryprophet]

Considering he has been blindsided pretty freaking hard on several occasions this year I can understand where he's coming from.

Jordan hasn't played to his typical level the last few games.

[rayzor]

“Honestly, I take more hits in the pocket than I do outside the pocket. In the pocket, I don't see who's coming. That can be more dangerous than when you're running you've got your eyes on a swivel, aware of your surroundings,” Newton said today. “If I'm running, I know this may sound kind of crazy, but I feel more comfortable with protecting myself rather than in the pocket and being defenseless.”

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2011/11/cam-newton-feels-safer-running-than-in-the-pocket.html

even with a good Oline, i can still feel how this might be the case, but still this isn't good.

we need him to be able to feel comfortable and safe in the pocket, but we just flat need some better protection because honestly the oline hasn't really given him a much to be confident in.

[Disinfranchised]

Hopefully as he matures in the NFL he will get control of this problem.

[rayzor]

Hopefully as he matures in the NFL he will get control of this problem.

hopefully they make improvements to the line that gives him reason to be confident in his line.

right now it ain't cutting it.

[jtnc]

I've said it numerous times, Gross is overrated, he is average in pass protection.

[CRA]

Hopefully as he matures in the NFL he will get control of this problem.

control of what problem?

blindside hits just aren't as likely while running....and he is one of the few dual threat QBs. He is just stating the obvious.

[Strobelight]

Yeah he loses it in the 4th.

[jtnc]

Yeah he loses it in the 4th.

Please stfu, his interceptions have actually been from being hit while throwing which causes him not to step into his throws.

[footballisasport]

Swipe at the offensive line?

Nope..Only telling the truth. That is the same problem Cutler and Sam Brafford is struggling with. At least u guys have a QB who can run and make things happen with his legs instead of sitting in the pocket and being injured.

[Chaos]

Nope..Only telling the truth. That is the same problem Cutler and Sam Brafford is struggling with. At least u guys have a QB who can run and make things happen with his legs instead of sitting in the pocket and being injured.

I notice the "you guys" and "your team" a lot in your posts. Just curious - who is it that you pull for?

[rayzor]

I notice the "you guys" and "your team" a lot in your posts. Just curious - who is it that you pull for?

cam newton.

he's a cam newton fan. i thought that was obvious.

[chknwing]

All the more reason to get a new LT. Gross is crap, move him inside. Cam scared hes gonna get blindsided is a direct result of Gross's inability to block top DE's