Is Cam Newton Fitting For the 8-0 Panthers?

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In a crazy, electric game that illustrated both Newton’s and the Panthers’ greatness, as well as their flaws, we saw Newton continue to travel his imperfect path into the MVP argument.

He is in the race. Like him or not, like his game or not.

What you will hear is that Newton is being carried by his defense. Or his running game. Or the coaching staff. Or the tight end. Or the fans. Or the power of the sun. Or protein from yogurt. Definitely protein from yogurt.

This is the Russell Wilson Phenomenon. When Wilson wins, many say it’s for other reasons than him. The same thing is happening with Newton. Then, there is extra haterade additive of how so many seem to despise Newton’s preening and showmanship. Or his once alleged fake smile. To me, only a small person is bothered by another’s celebrations, but hey, whatever floats your hate.

When you look deeper and really watch what Newton is doing, he is, at the very least, a top-two MVP candidate. He is the main reason there’s potentially a changing of the guard in the NFC with the Panthers supplanting the Packers as the conference’s best.

The Panthers’ 37-29 win was a lot like Newton’s and the team’s season. The game was at times gorgeous and at others sloppy—like Newton. It dragged and it pulsated, and in the end, it was Newton and his uneven team remaining undefeated, holding off a furious Aaron Rodgers comeback.

Newton initially attended the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Florida Gators football team in 2007 and 2008. As a freshman in 2007, Newton beat out fellow freshman quarterback John Brantley as the back-up for eventual Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. He played in five games, passing for 40 yards on 5-of-10 and rushing 16 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns. In 2008, during his sophomore season, Newton played in the season opener against Hawaii but suffered an ankle injury and took a medical redshirt season.

Newton is an imperfect candidate on an imperfect team in an imperfect league. He’s perfect.

“I think he got anxious,” said Panthers coach Ron Rivera, “Then he settled in. He made plays.”

Newton has also carried the Panthers to an unbeaten record with little firepower at the receiver position. This is where his MVP candidacy strengthens to hurricane force.

There are no No. 1 receivers on this team. There are no No. 2 receivers. They are a collection of 3s and 4s. They are names like Ginn and Brown and Cotchery and Funchess. They make plays, mostly, because Newton does.

Newton finished 15-of-30 for 297 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and a rating of 104.4, adding nine carries for 57 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

After the game, Newton opened his press conference thanking military veterans, since this was a day the NFL used to thank them. It was a nice moment, not a phony one, and then he summed things up perfectly about the 8-0 Panthers.

“It isn’t a pretty eight,” he said, “but it is eight, and that’s gorgeous in itself.”

Newton also explained why he tore down a Packers banner before the game began. I loved his answer.

Newton is a candidate because he’s the skilled leader of an undefeated team that would crumble without him. It is true he is flawed, maybe the most flawed candidate since Washington kicker Mark Moseley won the award in 1982.

So what, though? Newton is in the race, no matter how much some won’t like it, and no matter how flawed he and the Panthers are.

When asked if he hurt his shoulder, Newton said: “I’m alright. I’m 8-0.”