Cam Newton Presents Tall Task for Colts Defense

The Indianapolis Colts will face the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football, which means the defense will have the challenge of defending superstar quarterback Cam Newton.

As such, things won’t get any easier for the Colts defense, who’ve already had the misfortune of facing Tom Brady and Drew Brees in consecutive weeks prior respectively.

However, unlike the aforementioned duo–both of whom are purely pocket passers, Newton presents a different challenge all together with his dynamic ability to both run and throw at a high level:

"“His ability (during) the zone read option they run,” answered Chuck Pagano on what challenge Newton poses for his defense. “They do a great job with it. Coach Shula does a great job with the offense. He’s handing it, he’s handing it, he’s handing it, then if you’re not disciplined…you’ve got to deal with him as a runner.”“Got to deal with him as a thrower,” added Pagano. “He’s got a really strong arm. Can make all the throws.”“When things break down, his ability to extend plays,” said Pagano. “At 6’6″, 255 pounds, running 4.4-4.5 (forty time), average man can’t get him on the ground. It’s going to take more than one guy.”"

Originally the #1 overall pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2011–just one season before the Colts very own Andrew Luck took such honors, Newton is a legitimate MVP candidate this season.

Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) with fans after the game. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 27-16 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Not only has he led the Panthers to an undefeated 6-0 record, but he’s done so without many proven offensive weapons, having lost go-to wideout Kelvin Benjamin to a season-ending torn ACL. Quite frankly, he’s carried Carolina’s offense so far.

On the season, Newton has completed 101 of 181 pass attempts (55.8%) for 9 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a passer rating of 78.4.

However, he also has 245 total rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns to go along with his passing numbers. In fact, Pagano made it a point on Wednesday to discuss how dangerous Newton can be in the red zone:

"“And then in the red area, they’ve got all the quarterback runs, quarterback sweep, quarterback power, quarterback draw,” said Pagano. “And you only have 11 guys. You put the 8th defender in the box and then you can account for everybody if you hand the ball off. But now they don’t hand the ball, and the quarterback has the ball, who’s going to take the quarterback?”"

It’s worth noting that the last time these two teams met on November 27, 2011–during Newton’s rookie season, he was 20 for 27 on throws for 208 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a passer rating of 95.9. While those numbers aren’t earth-shattering, Newton did have 9 rushes for 53 total rush yards (5.9 ypc average) and a touchdown in a 27-19 Panthers win.

However, this Colts defense is totally different, and Newton has matured as a quarterback. That being said, the Colts defense will once again have their hands full, and it’s going to take a lot of discipline and teamwork to limit Newton on the evening:

"“So, it’s going to take great discipline to take care of this guy in all phases of his game,” concluded Pagano."

More from Horseshoe Heroes

Home/Colts News