Strickly Panthers: Newton learns to lead

[jtnc]

CHARLOTTE - Where there's a will, there's a way.

No one can question rookie quarterback Cam Newton 's will to win, and now he's figuring out how to best develop that into a way to win.

Newton said Wednesday that he realizes he hasn't always been the leader the Panthers need him to be from the first play through the last, but he took a positive step last Sunday at Houston thanks in part to veteran offensive linemen Jordan Gross and Ryan Kalil .

"They always get on me because I have a bad, bad tendency of showing my emotions on my face. I have to change that, and I'm trying to change it," Newton said. "Those guys constantly stay in my ear, saying, ‘You've got to be that same leader from the first quarter to the last quarter.'

"Just that little statement being made before the game made me mindful that it can be a little detrimental to the team if you're mad and ticked off. I'm not saying that everybody else isn't feeling the same way you are, but at the quarterback position you have to stay even-keel."

Newton said he was over-thinking things earlier in the season and that he lost his rhythm at times as a result. But as Newton has figured out how to handle life as an NFL quarterback, Gross is among those noticing better results.

"Maybe in college it was easier for one guy to win a game. Now I think he understands that he's a huge part of what we do, but it takes a whole team to win a football game," Gross said. "He doesn't carry as much weight on his shoulders now as far as taking total responsibility for a win or a loss. I think that makes him a better player, utilizing his team and the tools he has around him."

Observing veterans like Steve Smith and Jeremy Shockey having fun while maintain focus is helping Newton reach his goals as well.

"I'm just trying to continuously get better and trying to be great in this league, whether it's taking the field like a champion or being a leader off the field – whatever it takes," Newton said.

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Strickly-Panthers-Newton-learns-to-lead/b080f10e-607f-420a-b5ed-90dc2bd99ea2

[the butch]

Observing veterans like Steve Smith and Jeremy Shockey having fun while maintain focus is helping Newton reach his goals as well.

great stuff ahead for the panthers. rarararar.

[CarolinaCatBrigade]

Cam has not only the talent needed for this team to be great, he also has the leadership. He wants to win, and his attitude will rub off on everyone else. Next season we will be playoff contenders with a hot hungry franchise NFL QB.