Panthers Quarterback: Cam or Kyle?
Kasie Thomas, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of pixabay.com
From chanting “War Eagle” at Auburn University to “Go Panthers” and “Keep Pounding” with the Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton has proven to be a star player for each team he is on. A smooth transition from college football to the NFL was an understatement for Newton in his rookie season.
Being a true asset through the seasons, Newton became a key player on the Panthers roster. Unfortunately, after putting off a serious Lisfranc injury for roughly six games this season, Newton had to take a step back from the game. When Cam Newton stepped back, second string quarterback Kyle Allen stepped up.
Growing up in Atlanta, Cam Newton began his debut in the football world, holding the title of being one of the top high school football recruits with various D1 offers to follow. Newton chose to attend the University of Florida, then later, Auburn University chose him.
Transferring and starting as quarterback at Auburn University, he started to create his football credibility. Newton lead the Auburn tigers to the 2010 BCS National Championship, while also picking up the AP Player of the Year award, Southeastern Conference Player of the Year award, and the Heisman Trophy.
After Newton’s college season, there was no question about his ability to play at the next level. In 2011, with the first pick of the NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers chose Cameron Newton. From that point on, Newton hit the ground running. He became the Offensive Rookie of the Year then, soon after in 2015, led the Panthers to the Super Bowl 50 in his MVP season.
As the Panthers headed into this year’s 2019 season, his performance was not the same. A few games into the season, Newton was known to have a serious foot injury, the Panthers starting quarterback was sidelined. While Newton attempted to make a quick recovery in rehab, the Panthers second string quarterback Kyle Allen was called upon.
The former starting quarterback from the University of Houston was ready to step up. Allen started in his first game of the 2019 season leading the Panthers to victory against the Cardinals, but it did not stop there. The Panthers winning streak continued for 4 straight games beating the Texans, Jaguars, and Buccaneers with Allen leading the way.
Many people assumed the reason for the continuous wins were because of the change in quarterbacks. This led to people questioning Cam Newton’s return. While some people’s faith was being moved into Kyle Allen, there were still those who believed in Cam Newton’s return.
As the Panthers’ digital media intern, Zion Dendy got a good look at the team in the summer before the season even began. Growing up, Bendy watched player like Steve Smith and Sam Mills and grew to love the Panthers from that point on. Keeping up with the team and witnessing the Panthers record he believes Kyle Allen’s performance has been “alright”, stating, “he’s good but not starting potential.”
Even with Allen leading the Panthers to a 4-game winning streak, his faith remains in Newton explaining, “Cam Newton has been hiding an injury from his staff… he wasn’t able to push off and release the ball the way he used to.” Bendy also feels that the quarterback is not the only reason of the wins explaining that, “Carolina is 4-0 because of McCaffrey. He’s the sole reason we’ve won 4 straight games.”
The comparisons of Cam Newton and Kyle Allen have people wondering what the Panthers will do with their two successful quarterbacks. With one year left on Cam Newton’s contract, it raises the idea of trading Newton, even with his history, and sticking with Allen.
Andrew Schaich, a North Greenville student and “big time” Panthers fan, believes “Allen has shown potential, but Cam has also proven himself for years.” As a local, Andrew has always been a fan of the Panthers and says that Allen has been doing “pretty well” compared to Cam Newton. All fans can do is sit and wait for healthy Newton to return and watch for his performance to be revealed.
With both quarterbacks possessing qualities to make them stand out, who will shine the most? As fans just pray for wins and to make it to the Super Bowl again, the Panthers have to make the decision who will lead the team to those wins. Will it be the long-time starting quarterback, Cam Newton or the new game winning streak holder, Kyle Allen?
