The 2013 version of the Carolina Panthers were one that shocked a league as they won the NFC South on route to a #2 seed in the NFC. If the 2014 Panthers want to match last year, they’ll need a healthy Cam Newton, and as of right now, it looks like trouble.
Chatter has surfaced today that Newton will be a game-time decision for the Panthers season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, according to CBSSports.com. Last week, Newton told the media that there was “no doubt” in his mind that he’d play. Now, suddenly, it looks like he’s given himself some wiggle room; as of today, he told us that he is not 100 percent recovered from his broken ribs, nor 100 percent sure he’ll suit up in Week 1.
When asked if he would indeed suit up against the Bucs, Newton said this: "Well, that's my thinking. Hopefully, when that clock starts, I'll be on that field,” according to TheCharlotteObserver.com.
"It's hard to sleep on it," he said. "It's hard to make sudden moves. It's hard to sleep. It's hard to breathe."
Most think Newton is providing a little dose of gamesmanship, but for those who have had broken ribs, they all realize what a tough injury it is to deal with. This is especially the case for quarterbacks, and running quarterbacks like Newton. Where they’re targeted by defenders is directly in the mid-section area. Newton better get used to the fact that he’ll have this nagging him the entire season.
In 2013, Newton threw for 3,379 yards and 24 TD’s to go along with 585 rushing yards and six TD’s.