By: Wes Roop
Bringing a Superbowl to Charlotte has been Cam Newton's number one goal since day one. Often times in interviews saying, "I don't care about my stats, I want to win, bottom line." Our charismatic signal caller hasn't changed his take on that topic either.
Stats definitely aren't what matter at the end of the day. Just for fun, I'm going to try and accurately predict Cam's 2018 passing stats. I will be collaborating his career averages with my personal opinion to form this prediction. I'm going to stick with the stats that are typically brought up when discussing a quarterback. Stats will include yards, touchdowns, interceptions and completion percentage.
YARDS
Career Average: 3,582
My Prediction: 3,825
Only once has Cam eclipsed the 4,000 yard mark. That was during his rookie season. Although he did sniff the surface in the 2012 and 2015 seasons, I do think he out throws his career average. Yet I don't think he will eclipse that 4,000 yard mark this year.
For the majority of our team's history, we've carried the "run first" mentality. Our front office has invested in that mentality by spending a first round pick on Christian McCaffrey in 2017. I understand this joystick of a running back was heavily used in the pass game but Coach Rivera has said, "There's no reason he shouldn't see 200 carries." To further this, bringing in the 1,000 yard power back CJ Anderson, it's hard to imagine that he will not be used heavily as well. I look for them to establish the run quite often.
With that being said, Cam could out-throw his career average, as I definitely think he will as my prediction states. Bringing in Norv Turner is going to be huge for Cam. Norv Turner is going to have our quarterback focus on mismatches, allowing Cam to focus on the weakest defenders on the field. You also have to take into account the speed and playmaking ability of our pass catchers. There is no reason to think we won't see quite a few chunk plays, which is why I see this stat improving from his career average.
TOUCHDOWN PASSES
Career Average: 23
My Prediction: 28
If you look at Cam's career stats, you will notice a pattern with his touchdown passes. Recently Norv Turner was quoted saying, "Peaks and Valleys," which describes it best. Not to say all falls on Cam's shoulders but the pattern is evident. He is usually in the 20 to 30 range one season and then follows up with being in the teens the next. Trends eventually die and I think this season will culminate in this trend ender.
Devin Funchess and Greg Olsen are back to a clean bill of health. As we all know, having solid hands will play a huge factor in Cam throwing more touchdowns. I also have to re-attack the speed and playmaking ability in these stats as well. Norv Turner has mentioned getting the ball out of Cam's hands faster. It's hard to imagine completely limiting our big arm quarterback from taking shots down field. You also have to account for guys that can take it to the house on any given play; guys like CMC, DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel. If you factor all of these weapons Carolina is working with, you would be hard pressed to convince me that Cam's touchdown passes won't approve above his career average this season.
INTERCEPTIONS
Career Average: 13
My Prediction: 12
Take a look at previous film of Cam's interceptions. It typically goes three ways; he'll let one sail, it's a tipped pass or he'll try to sling it in a tight window. I predict this stays close to his career average for two reasons: more speed on the field should lead to more separation and his safety valves are improved from years past. I do think his interceptions will take a small dip.
COMPLETION PERCENTAGE
Career Average: 59%
My Prediction: 63%
This is the stats that critics love to mention. Funny enough though, I think he will reach a career high this season. Despite what you may hear, Cam is a hardworking, hard effort type of guy. Norv Turner demands a lot out of his quarterback room. So I think this match will go hand and hand. Norv is going to simplify things somewhat, instead of looking to hit a homerun every play. Cam will be coached to focus on the mismatches and high percentage throughs which should bode well for our quarterback that has been known as a "great before the snap guy." There is no reason to believe this stat doesn't see a nice bump.
In closing, the stats will never show the true value of having Cam in Carolina. He is a true competitor, has a ton of heart and very solid work ethic. He leads by example and his energy makes this team. In my opinion, those are Cam's biggest attributes and I sincerely hopes he blows my predictions out of the water.
WES' STAT RECAP - A Prediction for 2018
Yards: 3,825
Touchdowns: 28
Interceptions: 12
Completion Percentage: 63%
As always, KEEP POUNDING Panther Nation!
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