My Ideal Landing Spot

For Cam Newton

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

3/25/2020

       This current NFL offseason has seen a bevy of movement at the Quarterback position. From Tom Brady going to the Buccaneers, Teddy Bridgewater becoming the man in Carolina, or even Phillip Rivers 1-year shot in Indianapolis. QB’s have been finding new homes across the league. One huge domino yet to fall this offseason is former Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton. The QB is in the process of trying to find a new team, after his release and Carolina’s 60-million-dollar investment in Bridgewater. The choices though for Newton have shrunk as teams continue to acquire QB’s seemingly each week. There is one team still in play for a QB that would be a perfect fit for Newton. This team is the Los Angeles Chargers, who after moving on from long time signal caller Phillip Rivers are in the market for a new quarterback. This team in my estimation makes a lot of sense for Newton to consider signing with. This article will lay out the main reasons why the Chargers are an ideal fit for Cam Newton to revitalize his career.

            The first reason the Chargers are a great fit for Cam Newton is the group of skill position players he would have at his disposal. In wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, along with tight end Hunter Henry, and running back Austin Ekeler the Chargers have one of the best set of skill position players in the league. This group would easily be the best set of weapons Newton has ever had to work with. Starting with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this is a fantastic duo on the outside for Newton to throw the ball to. Both receivers hit the 1,000-yard mark with Allen accumulating 1,199 yards and Williams 1,001 yards. What makes Williams 1,000-yard season even more impressive is that he accomplished this with only 49 receptions, averaging 20.4 yards a catch. Allen’s 104 receptions marked his second 100 reception season in the last 3 years, and 3rd straight year with at least 97 catches. Having the combination of a consistent possession receiver in Keenan Allen and an athletic contested catch specialist in Mike Williams would be great for Newton. In tight end Hunter Henry Newton should, have like with Greg Olsen in Carolina, a safety net and big playmaker at the position. Henry posted 55 receptions, 652 yards, and 5 touchdowns in 12 games. Now like Olsen, Henry has had injury issues in his career, but if healthy he should develop a great chemistry with Newton. Finally, in running back Austin Ekeler this would provide a versatile halfback to rely on in both the running and passing game as a playmaker. Ekeler accumulated 1,550 total yards, including 993 yards receiving yards for the Chargers last season. A truly impressive number you rarely see from running backs, showing how excellent he is as a pass catcher. He will only give Newton another option to check down to and allow him to make plays after the catch. Ekeler despite his smaller stature utilizes his quickness and good route running well to be an impact player. Having this plethora of weapons should only make Newton’s job easier if he chooses to sign with LA. Providing him a wealth of talent he has yet to ever really work with.

            The next major reason the LA Chargers are a great fit for Cam Newton is the fact they have a great defense. The Chargers defense ranked 6th in yards allowed last season. They also allowed just 21.6 points a game, allowing 30 or more points just twice. Meaning that this defense ran by head coach Anthony Lynn and his staff is legit. This defense would make Newton’s job manageable as they will keep him in every game. Making it so the QB only must make 3 to 4 plays a game to put them in position to win. Knowing how successful Cam Newton was with the strong defenses at his side in Carolina. This marriage could create much success for both sides on the football field. Pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram should both return to form and each reach 15 plus sacks this season. Add in stud safety Derwin James and corners Casey Hayward and Desmond King, and LA has all the pieces to once again be an elite defense. Coupling a defense that can stunt the efforts of an opposing offense, with a ball control offense/big play offense quarterbacked by Cam Newton sounds like a winning formula to me. That is why of all the teams Newton could choose the Chargers are the team with the best defense to play alongside as well.

            The last reason the Chargers would be a good fit is that I believe Newton would have a better chance to win instantly in the AFC then the NFC. This may seem like a hot take statement, but when looking at the NFL landscape it is understandable. The first being he is out of one of the tougher divisions in the NFL to play in, the NFC South. As during Newton’s tenure, he had to always contend with at least two other playoff hopefuls in his division if not all three teams. Plus, dealing specifically with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan twice a season is no easy task to manage. If he joins the Chargers in the AFC West, the level of competition does diminish some. With both Denver and Oakland trying to solve their quarterback positions still, that leaves only the Kansas City Chiefs as immediate competition. Now the Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl Champs, but they are not without their flaws. Plus, while previously mentioned Oakland is on the upswing their ceiling is not nearly as high as the Chargers would be if they add Cam Newton. Around the rest of the AFC conference with Tom Brady leaving New England and Big Ben coming back from a major injury. As well as, a question filled AFC South they’re only two teams I would see as immediate roadblocks for Newton. These being the Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. Compare that to the NFC which boasts the now Tom Brady led Buccaneers, the Saints, Packers, Eagles, 49ers, and Seahawks to name the primary contenders and things are tougher in the NFC. Which is why Newton should again join the Chargers because you can argue he would be playing in the conference with fewer immediate contending teams.

            Cam Newton wherever he eventually lands, if fully healthy will be an instant game changer for his new team. The Chargers I see as his best bet for instant success with their loaded roster and placement in a weaker AFC conference. Newton’s decision remains to be seen but will be intriguing to follow. Newton is still just 5 years removed from being NFL MVP and being voted by his peers as the best player in football. If he again is healthy with a new motivation to prove his doubters wrong, he should be an asset for his new franchise. For a Chargers team especially that seems just a quarterback away from being a possible Super Bowl contender he would be a terrific answer.