Cam Newton of the Panthers is the best running quarterback in NFL history and we will literally fight anyone who disagrees. Then again, other players had to open the door for Newton to become who he is today. One of them was unquestionably former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who held that title before Cam came along.
A childhood idol of Newton’s, Vick says Newton can’t and should not change his game and become more of a traditional pocket passer. Here’s what Vick told Joseph Person at the Athletic about Newton’s abilities and instincts as a runner.
“I think for a guy like Cam, he’ll never change who he is as a quarterback, as a competitor, as a player. . . Cam has to play his game. I think, as a mobile quarterback myself — former — it’s just in our DNA. It’s what we do. And I don’t think his instincts will ever allow him to not take off as a runner if things break down.”
When Vick finished his NFL career, he had tallied 6,109 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 873 carries. That’s a sensational average of seven yards per carry. While Newton can’t compete with that number (he has averaged 5.2), he has been much more productive as a scorer.
Heading into his ninth year in the league, Newton has already totaled 4,808 yards on the ground to go with 48 touchdowns.
