Buccaneers NFC South Position Rankings: Quarterback

Cam Newton

I would say Cam is the most polarizing of the bunch, but Tampa’s guy would have a decent argument for that crown. Still, Cam is hot and cold depending on who you ask. As a passer there’s no question he’s limited, specifically as it relates to accuracy. Sometimes Cam will deliver laser throws that make you forget the other woes, but too often you get ducks that look like they came from the arm of an offensive lineman.

Here’s the thing about playing quarterback, though: you don’t have to play it one specific way. If you’re giant (like, say, 6’5, 245 lbs.), can run faster than the common running back, and can hit downfield throws, you will be a deadly threat – regardless of the come-and-go accuracy. The football gods have made one Cam Newton in the history of the sport and there will likely never be another. As my friend Bronn once said to Tyrion in regards to Gregor Clegane: “He’s freakish big and freakish strong. And quicker than you’d expect for a man of that size”. Sounds about right.

Newton is the second of the NFC South quarterbacks to win an MVP, back in 2015. If you recall, that was the season Cam hacked into the system and turned the difficulty down to “zero”; he was the unstoppable all the way to 35 passing touchdowns and ten rushing touchdowns. The Panthers won 15 regular season games and made it all the way to the Super Bowl before being punished by Peyton Manning.

Now 29 and entering his 8th NFL season it will be interesting to see if Newton can recapture the glory of that 2015 season.