How Can the Carolina Panthers Spark Cam Newton?

Cam Newton has led the Carolina Panthers to a 1-5 record and a reserved seat in the bottom of the NFC South. At this point, the Panthers coaching staff has to do something creative to spark Newton. 

We all know Newton has the ability to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, but 2012 has defined the term "sophomore slump" for the erratic quarterback. Newton has only thrown for 1,387 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. He's also added 209 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. 

Newton has struggled with maturity issues as well during the hard times thus far this season. With the way Newton played last year, many thought the Panthers quarterback would be playing at an MVP level this season. 

Newton won't play at an MVP level this year, but let's take a look at a few ways the coaching staff can turn around his horrible 2012 season. 

Run more

The Panthers have two extremely talented running backs in Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, yet the coaching staff simply refuses to make them the focal point of the offense. 

Stewart has only carried the ball 35 times on the season, Williams has seen 50 attempts. Utilizing the talents of the two running backs more will take a large amount of pressure off of Newton in the passing game. 

Newton is a serious rushing threat as well, having rushed the ball 46 times so far in 2012. If the coaching staff were to reduce his number of runs and allow the backs to handle the load, Newton would be more fresh in the passing game. 

Making the passing attack the focal point of the offense will not only produce more, but make opposing defenses stack the box, which means less defenders in coverage—allowing Newton to make better throws down the field. 

Focus on the Intermediate Passing Game 

Newton loves the spotlight, his brand and making big plays. Head coach Ron Rivera has noticed Newton's tendency to go for the home run rather than progressively moving down the field, as Rivera told The Charlotte Observer: 

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"He wants to make things happen so much...He's trying very hard to do those things, do the right things. It's all part of him developing as a football player."

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Newton's issue developing is simple—he's ignoring the short and intermediate passing game, instead throwing it deep more often than not. If Newton could relax and take what defenses give him instead of trying to create a big play every snap, he would be more successful. 

The Future

Statistically and historically speaking, the Panthers don't have a legitimate shot at making the postseason in 2012 thanks to their horrendous 1-5 start. 

From here on out, the coaching staff should be focusing on developing Newton as much as possible. He was a nice story in his rookie season, but overall the Panthers were underwhelming. Everything's the same this year, except Newton has regressed and the rest of the NFL has figured out his game. 

Newton has some serious mental issues he needs to hurdle before becoming an elite quarterback. He also needs the help of his coaches and teammates to help further his development. 

2012 is a small bump in the road for what will likely be a wildly successful career for Newton, but the organization is going to have to seriously step up and help its franchise quarterback out. 

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