The Morning After: Cam Newton's MVP Candidacy
From the day he first burst onto the sporting scene at Auburn, Cam Newton has generated two things in equal measure: Wonder at his on-field accomplishments, and column inches about everything else. Is he worth the No. 1 overall pick? Is his smile fake? Can he stay healthy? Can he stay focused?
Through it all, he’s played quarterback unlike anyone else in NFL history, and led his team to back-to-back NFC South titles. Now the latest #taeks out of the NewtonNarrativeGenerator™ are centered around a new question: Is he an MVP candidate?
For all the ways in which Newton is futuristic — we’re talking about a 6-foot-5, 245-pound signal caller with 38 rushing touchdowns in 70 career games — he also does some things star quarterbacks haven’t gotten away with in over 20 years. When was the last time someone completing only 53.6 percent of his passes was being bandied about for the league’s top honor? It’s a Bradshaw-ian number, the kind that appeared to die off during the 21st century’s passing explosion. Newton is also averaging a modest 7.39 yards per attempt, and on pace for “just” 28 scores through the air.
So where does Newton’s case reside? In dual-threat playmaking ability that doesn’t usually translate beyond the college level. Newton completed only 15 passes Sunday, but three of them went for six. He rushed 10 times for 57 yards, scoring a fourth touchdown where he skied over the scrum and broke the plane with hand strength akin to an alligator’s jaw. Although some of them sailed high, Newton never stopped delivering lasers in the passing game, or punishment as a runner.
All this, with a supporting cast that consists of Greg Olsen and … that’s about it. Behind Newton’s No. 1 weapon are: A 28-year-old running back averaging 3.88 yards per carry, a 30-year-old deep threat who’s caught 21-of-50 targets, a receiver who can’t decide if he wants to be called “Philly” or “Corey,” a rookie wideout with 10 career catches and Jerricho Cotchery.
Averaging 26.4 fantasy points, and 27.9 if you throw out his shaky Week 1, Newton is having a remarkable season by any reasonable standard. Is he the MVP? Not in a league where Tom Brady is on pace for 5,418 yards, 44 touchdowns and four interceptions. But that doesn’t matter. The number of players more important to their teams — not to mention fantasy owners — can be counted on one hand. One of the game’s top talents is having his finest season. Instead of worrying whether it’s the best season, sit back and enjoy the kind of campaign we might not see again for a while.
Five Week 9 Negatives
Dion Lewis’ knee issue. From Browns castoff to RB1 for the league’s best offense, Lewis has been one of the season’s best stories. But barring an MRI miracle with his “loose” ACL, his 2015 in peril, and quite possibly over. Lewis was a potential league-winning pick before going down on Sunday. Now he’s a black hole in your lineup, and invitation to mystery behind LeGarrette Blount. Who will catch passes out of the Patriots’ backfield? Brandon Bolden? James White? A free agent? All of the above? Where Lewis provided unusual clarity for one of the league’s least predictable positions, chaos should once again reign on third down in New England, making it a spot to avoid in fantasy leagues.
Ben Roethlisberger’s latest left leg injury. Predictably in much sharper form after struggling in his Week 8 return, Big Ben was dicing up the Raiders’ suspect secondary before Aldon Smith rolled up on his left foot. For the second time in as many potentially season-ending 2015 injuries, Roethlisberger has somehow escaped with a week-to-week issue, but at the very least, he won’t take the field until after Pittsburgh’s Week 11 bye. If he’s not back by then, it could be too late for both the Steelers and fantasy owners.
The Falcons’ performance in San Francisco. Blaine Gabbert, Shaun Draughn, Torrey Smith, Jerome Simpson and Quinton Patton. Those were the starting “weapons” for the team that beat Atlanta 17-16 on Sunday. More humiliating was a game plan that once again leaned on Matt Ryan instead of NFL yards from scrimmage leader Devonta Freeman, and a coaching staff that decided to kick a field goal down four from the 49ers’ one-yard line with 2:55 remaining. It was an incomprehensible decision from rookie coach Dan Quinn, one that cost his team the game. The Falcons can clearly compete in the up-for-grabs NFC South, but it’s time for Quinn to prove he knows which adjustments to make. Not treating Ryan like he’s Aaron Rodgers should be at the top of the list.
Teddy Bridgewater’s concussion on a late hit. Quarterbacks are taught to give themselves up at the end of scrambles. That’s what Bridgewater did with 13:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Rams CB Lamarcus Joyner ignored the rules, slamming Bridgewater’s head into the turf and causing a brain injury. Joyner should have been ejected, and deserves a suspension. Bridgewater should be considered day to day, and questionable for next Sunday’s appealing matchup with the Raiders. Bridgewater will be on the DFS radar as a tournament play if he can suit up.
Mike Evans’ drop-fest against the Giants. Drops are a subjective stat, but by the NFL’s count, Evans’ six were the most in the past 10 years. Thankfully for fantasy owners, Evans still caught eight passes for 152 yards, but it was another strange chapter in a season that’s lacked for anything resembling rhythm. Evans will continue to soak up targets — Jameis Winston has no one else to throw to — but a player who should be a no-brainer WR1 is instead a boom-or-bust WR1/2.
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