Most, if not all, comparisons ever made to Carolina Panthers great Cam Newton have been, uh, not good. And that’s not necessarily because Newton is better or worse than the players who’ve drawn such connections—it’s just that his combination of physical traits, skill, natural talent and playing style is truly unique.
Well, we may now finally have ourselves a good comparison.
If you’re not familiar already, allow us to introduce you to Anthony Richardson—a 6-foot-4, 232-pound quarterback for the University of Florida. Like Newton, Richardson possesses an eye-opening mix of size, athleticism and strength—gifts he uses as a big-time thrower and a dominant rusher.
Ahead of the 2022 season opener yesterday, Richardson received praise from his opponent in Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham, and he knew exactly what he was dealing with.
“You have to account for the QB in the run game every single down,” Whittingham said back on Monday. “The guy reportedly has 4.3 speed. At that size, it’s incredible. It’s Cam Newton-ish type of numbers with his physical stature and his ability to run. That’s something that the defensive staff is well aware of and that’s gotta be taken into account in virtually everything you do.”
And, unfortunately for Whittingham and his Utes, he was right . . .
Anthony Richardson, 6’4”/232
Nearing halftime: 74y rushing/2 TD. 10/13 passing, 101y
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) September 4, 2022
Something special here from Anthony Richardson on the 2pt Conv.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) September 4, 2022
Richardson led the Gators to a 29-26 upset victory on Saturday, completing 17 of his 24 throws for 168 yards while rushing for a team-high 106 yards and three touchdowns on 11 attempts. The 2023 draft prospect also notched up a number of new Newton comparisons.
Anthony Richardson is legit doing a Cam Newton impression tonight
— Trey Scott (@TreyScott247) September 4, 2022
#Florida looks like they finally have Cam Newton in pads (Anthony Richardson) but he's also dressed as Tim Tebow (wearing #15). SEC will be that much more fun if it is for real. #UUvsUF
— Greg Vorse TV (@GregVorse) September 4, 2022
Dan Mullen could’ve given Anthony Richardson the reps and he may still be coaching UF. Go with a special talent over experience every time. The guy could be the Cam Newton of his day or better. Who knows? What a debut. https://t.co/rlGMLRH7jM
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 4, 2022
Anthony Richardson is a genetically modified Cam Newton.
Only explanation. pic.twitter.com/Shzc3lTpwa
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) September 4, 2022
Interestingly enough, the Panthers will very likely be in the market for a quarterback in 2023—even with Baker Mayfield easily earning the starting job this year.
Hmmm . . .
