Another NFL weekend, another extraordinary performance by Cam Newton.
The fifth-year year quarterback from Auburn may have had the best game of his career Sunday. Newton passed for five touchdowns, and rushed for more than 100 yards, as the Carolina Panthers raised their record to 14-0.
It is the first time in the history of the National Football League that a quarterback threw for five touchdowns, and rushed for 100-yards.
Newton is on the verge of another historic accomplishment. He is about to become the first African-American quarterback to win the coveted MVP award.
In 2004, Tennessee’s Steve McNair and Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning shared the MVP award. Both quarterbacks were superb that season, leading their respective teams to 12-4 records.
But there is no one close to Newton this year. New England’s Tom Brady is having another stellar season, but Newton is in a class by himself.
He is the face of the Panthers. He makes everyone around him better, and he makes game-winning plays. So far this season he has thrown 33 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. He has also rushed for nearly 600 yards.
However, as impressive as his stats are, they don’t come close to illustrating the impact he is having on the team.
Cam Newton makes winning plays. An example was Sunday’s emotionally packed game with the Giants. After Giants tied the game late, Newton calmly drove the Panthers down the field for a game winning field goal.
Cam Newton is a slam dunk for MVP. And if he doesn’t win the award going away, then they should just cancel the award.
