After offseason shoulder surgery, Carolina’s QB1 looks to return to top form for the 2019 season. But the 8 year vet admits that as his game evolves, throwing the ball 70 yards isn’t as important as it once was.
“You can look back at any type of player, you can look back at any type of sport and as players grow your game has to change. I remember reading and seeing clips about Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Brett Farve, and even Peyton Manning to a certain degree; when you get old, you have to change certain things. It kind of keeps you young and I look forward to it. I embrace this whole process because it made me feel like a rookie again; learning certain things, learning new mechanics, focusing on the little nuances of playing the quarterback position and trying to master it. So at this point in my career it’s not about velocity, it’s not about throwing the ball 70 yards, it’s about efficient football that’s going to win football games.”
Although throwing the ball 70 yards may not be as important as it once was, it’s critical for Newton to have the shoulder strength needed to make deep passes. After Sunday’s training camp practice, Coach Ron Rivera said they have seen the progression and arm strength in Newton they hoped they would.
“This is the third time he’s thrown. You see the progression and you see the decision making more than anything else. He’s done exactly what we hoped he would.”
