Norv Turner won't stop QB Cam Newton from running
One of the most obvious storylines emanating from Week 1: Norv Turner won't force Cam Newton to be something he's not.
Impersonating the new Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator, Newton relayed what he was told by Turner before Sunday's 16-8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
"'Hey baby, I'm-a let you be you now, baby,'" Newton cracked, via the Charlotte Observer.
"I said, 'OK, Coach.'"
"'All right now. Just let it go out there today, baby.'"
Newton is a dual-threat monster that some coaches have tried to make a pocket passer.
Sunday's result underscored that Turner won't take out Newton's legs.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess hauls in a 14-yard pass on a nice throw by quarterback Cam Newton.
The quarterback led the Panthers in both rushing attempts (13) and yards (58). Newton proved yet again that his zone-read at the goal line is the most unstoppable play in the NFL as he easily skirted into the end zone for a TD.
The Panthers signal-caller was up-and-down as a passer in the win, as has been his career modus operandi. Newton completed 17 of 26 passes for 161 yards, no TDs and no INTs while taking three sacks behind a beat-up offensive line.
In his eighth NFL season, Newton's tendency to throw high and bouts of inaccuracy aren't changing anytime soon. The worst thing a coach could do is pigeonhole the QB into a role. Luckily Turner knows better.
The Panthers unleashed Newton right off the bat on Sunday, including a 29-yard bulldozing scamper on the opening drive.
"It helps us out tremendously," center Ryan Kalil said of Newton's running ability. "He's a special player, and he's someone you have to account for. It adds another element to our offense. ... He can make guys miss, he can extend a play."
While there is concern about Newton taking extra hits, other running quarterbacks aren't built like the 6-foot-5, 245-pound linebacker of a QB. Newton has repeatedly said he takes bigger hits in the pocket than he does as a runner. Most of the time he's dishing out punishment on the move.
The Panthers offense isn't yet a well-oiled machine, but Week 1 proved it has the pieces to improve, even if tight end Greg Olsen misses time with another injury.
"It's still early, [but] I felt extremely comfortable with what [Turner] was doing," Newton said. "I understood the game plan going into it, and it's still kind of give-and-take, knowing how he calls, just the preparation process through this week. ... We felt good, and we just want to keep getting better."