If you're a Carolina Panthers fan who cringes every time Cam Newton takes off running, the star quarterback has some bad news for you.
After a career low rushing performance in 2016, coaches hoped to protect their franchise quarterback more. He averaged just 18 rushing yards per game over the first five weeks, attempting 29 carries while the Panthers struggled for big plays.
The 28-year-old has increased his rushing over the last eight games and feels that embracing his rushing ability is necessary to give him an "edge," especially when he watches the rest of the league's passers.
"You know, Ben Roethlisberger the other night had a monster game. He threw the ball 66 times. No facade. Sixty-six," Newton said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jodie Valde. "I'm looking and I'm saying to myself, 'That's not me.' And taking nothing against the Pittsburgh Steelers because they are an unbelievable team, they're very fun to watch. But for me, we have to run the football. That's our niche as an offense...
"You have to understand certain things. That's my edge. You don't expect a lion not to roar."
Newton's 585 rushing yards on 100 attempts is well above his total of 359 from last year. Having lost just once in the last six games, Newton is on pace for the most rushing yards since his career-high of 741 in 2012.
