Obviously, Cam Newton did not have the greatest season in 2020, but it's important to note he had some things going against him.
Of course, his supporting cast wasn't the greatest collection of talent, but also he signed with the team in July, so he only had a few weeks to learn the system before getting on the field for training camp.
Speaking to reporters via video conference Thursday, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels acknowledged that "unique" circumstance, while noting how much further along Newton is now.
"He's worked really hard and he worked hard all year last year," McDaniels said. "He was certainly in a point when he got here that was a unique situation, having really no experience and exposure to our system prior to training camp starting. I honestly can't remember another time in my career where we've had a player that has done that. Even the rookies that get drafted, they get information prior to the end of the spring.
"So it was a unique scenario. He worked his butt off last year to do it and then he came back certainly this year at a much different position. He has a a different grasp of the offense, a different understanding of the terminology. And now we're working on refining the precision, the details, and I always talk to the quarterbacks about trying to master the the operation and the things we need them to do. And there's always work to be done in that area. I don't care what quarterback you're talking about, there's always work to be done.
"And relative to fundamentals, I think you know we've talked a lot about this over the years. Every quarterback has to continue to work on those things. Some may have more refined fundamentals in one area or another. Whether that's throwing mechanics, footwork, shoulders, stride, follow through, movement in the pocket. It's like a golfer's swing, you know what I mean? If there's one thing off with the swing, you could shoot a high number. In terms of refining and working at quarterback fundamentals, it's the non-stop, never ending process and he's worked really hard at it. We're going to continue to work really hard at it with the days we have left in the spring to refine his, and everybody else’s at that position as well, because like I said, I don't think it's ever a finished product."
Newton is competing with Mac Jones, along with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer for the starting position. All four players have been present at the voluntary workouts this spring.
