Newton’s 16-Game Run: 31 TDs, 11 INTs
October 23rd, 2013
Joe’s made the point several times that while Mike Glennon looks like a good prospect, he’s the worst QB talent in the NFC South and that’s not a recipe for a Super Bowl victory.
It’s a painful reality, and one that’s somewhat unique to the Bucs’ division. Last week, Matt Ryan showed he could carve up a solid Bucs defense despite a seriously depleted receiving corps, a backup running back and Tony Gonzalez having an off day.
Tomorrow night, surging Cam Newton comes to the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway on a roll. CBS Sports radio in Charlotte penned a piece on Newton’s growth that delivers telling numbers.
Both Charley Casserly and Boomer Esiason have mentioned the change in Cam and how he is not forcing the ball downfield anymore. If you take a look at Cam’s last 16 games, his numbers would make for a good season. A 9-7 record, 60 percent completions, 3800 yards, 31 total TDs, only 11 interceptions and a QB Rating of 92.
And, this season is shaping up to be a big one too for Cam. His QB rating of 95 and his current completion percentage of 64 would be career highs. And, he is on the verge of being over .500 for the first time ever in the NFL.
It is a different version of Newton coming to face the Bucs. The Panthers’ offense has become diverse, with Newton running less, and excellent on third down, 34-of-74. The Bucs, in contrast, are 34-of-93 on third down.
This is a brutally tough game for Tampa Bay. They’ve got to find a way to move the chains against a ferocious defense; Giving Carolina field position could be lethal. In addition to their emerging offense, Panthers kicker Graham Gano is perfect in three tries from 50+ yards this season.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:06 pm
joe,
Solid bucs defense? really the past 2 games we have allowed over 30 points! One team had both starting wr out a makeshift line and still carved us up. The second had a backup QB in that managed only 3 points against dallas the following week. We may have a good defense but our schemeing on both sides of the ball blow!!
“Solid” overall entering that game. It’s surely not the NFL’s worst. –Joe
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Not to get too far in the metrics, but how does our horrible offense have almost 20 more third downs than Carolina? Are they just better at gaining first downs on first or second?
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:32 pm
The Panthers wins this season are over a terrible Minnesota team, a terrible Giants team and a bad St. Louis team. The three good teams they’ve played (Buffalo, who is ok, not good, Arizona, same, and Seattle) they’ve lost to. Carolina is overrated but will still beat the Bucs.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:35 pm
If we can’t win the games that are gift wrapped for us and play to our strengths then how in the world would we have a chance in a “brutally tough” game?
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:47 pm
To win the NFC South you don’t need the best quarterback, you need the best defense.
Kansas City has the “worst” QB in the AFC West, and they seem to be doing okay.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:52 pm
I like our chances. I think this is going to be our first victory tomorrow.
I see 3 passing TD’s and 25 Yards rushing from Glennon.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Ian has a point. Look at new orleans…New DC in rob ryan and now they are kicking butt. Maybe we will hire Rob Ryan as our head coach?!?
October 23rd, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Stocking up a good supply of alcohol to cope with the embarrassment tomorrow. Weehoo!!!
October 23rd, 2013 at 2:30 pm
I have never seen someone chane their mind so many times. Just a couple years ago it was why did they draft Newton. He sucks. Words like “the great Cam Newton”. Now I wonder why he sucked back then? Now Newton is doing going well and Oh how opinion changes. But now after 3 games we want to compare him to Newton in what it took how many years to get to in the NFL . Glennon Nor Freeman (and I was not high on Freeman) has an OL that can’t stop a high school defense. So at this time no QB on this team could carve up anyone. The offense has has put enough points that should wins games one the board. I also see a passing TD called back because of DJ who should be on the bench. Don’t look at Glennon vs Newton. Try our high point give away defense VS Newton. And How many Super Bowls doe Newton and Matty Ice have? NONE?
October 23rd, 2013 at 3:01 pm
I don’t see the Bucs winning this game. Mike Glennon can’t throw a deep ball to back off a stacked box. Even without Doug Martin, is the deep passing game scaring anyone yet? I don’t see any reason to alter the game plan laid out for the rest of the NFL.
Harry Douglas hung 145 on the Bucs in a HALF and Matt Ryan became player of the week missing his top two WRs and starting RB. Now, Harry Douglas was a STARTER on the Falcons but the Falcons still saw the need to get Julio Jones. What will Cam Newton do with all his starters?
I’d like to add that it was “SHUTTHEBUCUP” who lambasted me last week for my FALCONS prediction which was SPOT-FREAKIN’-ON. And I would like to call him out for an apology. And if you don’t believe me, here’s a link to the proof that I know more than all of you:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c179/heyitsadam/null_zps19b3be7a.jpg
October 23rd, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Newton is my least favorite NFL player by a wide margin….followed by that prick Steve Smith. The problem is…both are hitting their stride and could very well go off on Thursday night.
October 23rd, 2013 at 3:59 pm
@JONBUC
I agree with you. That laptop stealing jerk is so arrogant.
I have something on my computer you might like: I have a short .avi file of Steve Smith getting drilled going across the middle by S Will Smith of the Bucs during the Gruden Era and he ends up taking his own helmet off and crawling around gasping for air. It was from the at “Jacked Up” segment that ESPN used to do.
October 23rd, 2013 at 5:31 pm
If the Bucs gets blown out tomorrow night it SHOULD mark the end of Schiano.
October 23rd, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Cam had 31 TD’s over 16 games. Glennon has thrown 5 over 3 games. 2 in ea. of his last two games. Project 2 TD’s a game over 32 games and you get 32 TD’s. Glennon is getting the job done as a 3rd round rookie. Not worried about him being able to hold his own. I think he’s somewhat of a Matt Ryan clone. If you remember, the weakness of Ryan coming into the draft was his deep passes. Nearly all of his picks in college came on deep routes. He’s improved and so will Glennon. We’ll see what we have in him by season’s end but I have a feeling that he will impress. The O-line just has to give him time to set in the pocket.
October 23rd, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Adam…I remember Will Allen lighting Smith up before powderpuff football rules came into effect. Barron blew him up pretty well last year as well….part of me wishes Goldson would get a crack at him tomorrow…but the league would probably ban him. :/
October 23rd, 2013 at 6:43 pm
I would be interested to know the third down conversion rate difference between Freeman and Glennon. It seemed to me (without looking up any numbers) Glennon is pretty darn good on third down. His first game (maybe 2nd) he had about 3 or 4 third and longs in a row and converted them.
October 23rd, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Last week he converted 3 4th downs. We were 3/3 on 4th down. That’s not all Glennon but still….
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Doing the unthinkable tomorrow and watching the game with a good friend of mine who happens to be a Panthers fan. We’ll probably be the only two guys in upstate NY that will be watching this game instead of the World Series, but oddly I’m feeling good about the Bucs pulling off the upset tomorrow (and my pal picking up the drink tab afterwards!)