Why Cam Newton And The Undefeated Carolina Panthers Deserve Respect

Going into Week 8, there are five undefeated teams left in the NFL. If a quiz was given on who remained undefeated, one football team would probably be forgotten. The Carolina Panthers are proving to fans they are real. But now it’s time for the critics to drink the Kool-Aid. This year, the Panthers are on the prowl to get the respect they deserve.

The Panthers have done something many of the analysts said they couldn’t: They’re winning without Cam Newton. In the past, if Newton had a bad game, so did the Panthers. This year, there is a different vibe coming from the cast of characters in Carolina. They are building upon what was started two years ago and it looks like they have all the bricks in place.

The turning point may have come last year when the Panthers went 7-8-1. After a promising 2013 season when they went 12-4, they were beset by problems. The face of the franchise was plagued by injuries. Cam Newton suffered fractures in his lower back from a car accident. He also had fractured ribs and an ankle injury that required surgery. The back and rib injuries each caused him to miss one game. But the ankle injury reduced his mobility and capacity to scramble. The Panthers witnessed him struggle to regain his form. The Panthers’ offensive line was also no help. He was sacked 38 times.

This season, the Panthers have a healthy Newton and a swarming defense. Even playing in the NFC South — which many think is one of the weakest divisions in the NFL — the Panthers are looking like a Super Bowl Caliber team. They have fixed the issues with their offensive line and are looking like the Panthers of 2013.

The promotion of Mike Shula to offensive coordinator has looked like a stroke of genius. Carolina’s attack has become more balanced and time-consuming. The Panthers used to live and die on the big arm and legs of Cam Newton. Now they can control the clock and wear a defense down. In his third year as coordinator, the Panthers can see the effects of his schemes.

The Panthers’ faithful fans have had to get used to the different brand of football that Shula is pushing. But having a 6-0 record has silenced many of the critics.

The Panthers’ offense ranks sixth in the league in points per game at 27, but is 22nd in yards per game with 344.2. The scoreboard determines the winner, not total yards. Carolina is getting it done where it counts. Cam Newton had 197 passing yards against the Eagles, but the Panthers had even more on the ground with 204 rushing yards. More proof that the new mindset is working.

Shula’s style is the perfect balance for defensive-minded head coach Ron Rivera. The Panthers have gone 25-12-1 since Shula took over in 2013. It’s about ball control and not making mistakes. As good as the team is, under this new offense, it will still get better.

The Carolina Panthers are no slouches on defense either. Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has had the Panthers’ defense in the top 10 in each of the last three seasons. He has quietly built a unit that thrives on “sudden change” opportunities. According to ESPN, the Panthers’ defense has given up only 12 points after a turnover. That’s the third fewest in the league. Carolina is one of four teams that haven’t allowed a touchdown on a drive following a turnover. Seattle, St. Louis, and Green Bay are the others.

The Panthers are heading into another prime-time battle with the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The NFL has embraced the Black & Blue as a powerhouse. It may be just a matter of time before the critics believe as well.

[Feature Photo by Grant Halverson / Getty Images]