CHARLOTTE — Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of what Cam Newton does wrong.
Early in his career, the Carolina Panthers quarterback was too mopey. Now, he’s too happy. Maybe, he’s just human, and like all of us, his mood changes depending on what’s happening in his life or job.
Right now, things are going pretty good at work for Newton.
“We’re not celebrating because we turned the ball over. When we do things that are so hard to get, it deserves a celebration from time to time,” Newton said Wednesday when asked about critics of the Panthers’ latest in-game celebrations.
As the 13-0 Panthers continue to tack on wins, it’s getting harder to make a case for an MVP other than Newton. Earlier in the year, you could have argued against his stats. Now even that’s tough.
Over his past seven games, Newton has thrown 19 touchdown passes with just three interceptions while adding three scores on the ground. And in what may be an even bigger surprise than their perfect record, the Panthers lead the league in scoring. That’s largely because they’re getting touchdowns in the red zone, where Newton has tossed 20 touchdowns and no interceptions.
He’s also been nearly flawless in the fourth quarter. The guy who many claimed wasn’t clutch currently has the NFL’s best fourth-quarter passer rating of 115.0. So forgive him if he’s enjoying himself after helping put away an opponent.
“If I was doing a lot of things that I’m doing right now when we weren’t winning, I’d get ate up and spit back out. Especially with this dancing that some people approve of and some people don’t,” Newton said. “I’m human. I understand that winning sweeps a lot of things under the rug. But my influence still hasn’t changed. I was doing this when we were 3-8-1.
“There’s a lot that comes with being a quarterback in this league, and it’s not for long. So while I have an opportunity to do a lot of things, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”
–Robert McClain has been here before.
After the Panthers had made him their final pick of the 2010 draft, the cornerback played in all 16 games as a rookie, making two starts. But he was a victim of final cuts in 2011.
Four years later, the Panthers on Tuesday brought McClain back to fill the void left by Bene’ Benwikere’s broken leg. Because he hasn’t played since last season, his career was given a lifeline when Carolina called.
“I value it all,” McClain said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve been cut before. I know the feeling. You got to take advantage of your opportunities. And this is another opportunity in my career that I got to take advantage of.”
Notes: Running back Jonathan Stewart (foot sprain) has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Giants. The Panthers aren’t worried it’s a long-term thing, but they want to be cautious with their workhorse. RB Fozzy Whittaker or FB Mike Tolbert will start and rookie RB Cameron Artis-Payne will be active for the first time since Week 7. … Tight end Greg Olsen (knee) didn’t practice Wednesday, but he would have had a vet day, anyway. He’s appeared in 139 straight games, and he’s expected to play Sunday, despite his scare against the Falcons. … Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee), who’s missed the past four games, practiced fully Wednesday. The Panthers will see how his knee responds Thursday morning. If it’s still giving him trouble, they may put him on injured reserve.