According to the NFL’s NextGen Stats, out of 14 attempts the Panthers have only had one successful pass play longer than 20 yards (catch and runs not included). Some would think, with a quarterback who has an arm as powerful as Cam Newton’s, that would be a concern, but Head Coach Ron Rivera said he’s not worried about it.
“It would be good to expand on it, but I’m not concerned about it. I’m mean we have won three games. I know we’ve lost two, but we’ve won three. I think the quarterback is being very efficient right now when we’re effective running the football. We’ve had four games where as a team we’ve rushed for over 100 yards – last week was the first time I think we didn’t. So, you do want to, but I’ve got no reason to panic. We’re just going to keep working hard and continue to improve.”
Cam Newton echoed the same sentiment – noting that focusing on execution of the game plan is important, not trying to rattle off chunk plays.
“We just want to execute. That’s it. You can’t just go down and chuck the ball down the field and just expect – well we didn’t take shots in the game – that’s not what good teams or offenses do. We don’t let the defense dictate to us, we dictate to the defense.”
For many, the expectation was that with the arrival of Norv Turner would come a more pass-friendly offense. So far that hasn’t happened. However, it’s important to remember they’re only five games into the season. Give Norv, Cam and company a little more time before you start sounding any alarms.