Carolina Panthers team report: Cam Newton struggles throwing again
Cam Newton took a few steps forward Thursday, rushing for a team-high 49 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' 24-13 loss to the Bengals. But it's the passing game that continues to plague the No. 1 overall pick. Newton just can't seem to find a rhythm, particularly when trying to hit his wideouts along the sideline. Newton threw eight passes for veteran receiver Steve Smith, but connected on just one. Overall, Newton was 6 of 19 passing for 75 yards, with a passer rating of 44.8.
"That's an embarrassing stat,"
Newton said. "I need to make the proper reads."
Newton has plenty of arm strength. It's all about mechanics for a quarterback who played one season of major college football in a simplistic offense at Auburn.
Notes: The Panthers have enough question marks at the other cornerback spot. The last thing Ron Rivera wants is to have to worry about Chris Gamble, too.
Gamble, buried in John Fox's doghouse at the end of last season, played in his first preseason game Thursday. It was not pretty.
The former Ohio State standout was burned twice by rookie A.J. Green on deep routes. The first one was overturned on a coach's challenge. But the second one counted--a 40-yard touchdown catch that put the Bengals up for good.
Gamble then left the game after dislocating his thumb. But Rivera said Gamble would be fine--physically, anyway.
