New Carolina Panthers GM Dave Gettleman concedes that Cam Newton’s stats heralding him as the most prolific passing quarterback over his first two NFL seasons in history are impressive. Yet, in the same breath, he said he wants and expects to see more.
Over the last two seasons, the Panthers have gone a dreadful 13-19 and missed the playoffs both seasons, a direct indictment some would say of how both Newton and coach Ron Rivera have held up during the game’s most critical moments. That all has to change now if the Panthers are to reach the lofty goals the former longtime New York Giants pro personnel director has in mind for them.
“Cam has had the best two years of any rookie quarterback in NFL history. And everybody talks about the other young quarterbacks,” Gettleman told the Charlotte Observer. “But now it’s time to win.”
Newton’s four-year, $22 million deal with the team is open to re-negotiation after this season and while Gettleman raves about his potential and physical abilities, he clearly seems to have reached the point of needing to see more.
“He’s really physically gifted; he’s gotten better,” Gettleman told The Observer of his 24-year-old signal caller. “He keeps improving. What you’re looking for is ascension… There’s no reason he can’t continue to ascend, and I think he will.”
Gettleman wasn’t quite so optimistic in his evaluation of Rivera.
“I’m giving him all my support and he knows it,” he said. “We have a very good relationship. … It’s been fine. And the bottom line is we’ve given him tools.”
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