Panthers’ woes go beyond fired GM
Newton must show more leadership
Jarrett Bell On Sunday, franchise quarterback Cam Newton spices up another pity party of a postgame news conference by declaring there’s a need for a suggestion box.
The next day, the Carolina Panthers fire general manager Marty Hurney. How’s that for a suggestion? Maybe it’s purely coincidental Panthers owner Jerry Richardson dumped his GM after the temperamental quarterback expressed a need for change after a deflating five-point loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hardly. There is always a link among quarterback-coach- GM-owner — which means Panthers coach Ron Rivera is on notice, too.
Hurney, promoted in 2002, was tied for second-longest GM tenure in the NFL (excluding the runs of two owners and one hoodie-wearing coach who are essentially their own GMs). But the Panthers, 1-5, have regressed after last year’s 6-10 season of promise. Still, it’s not just the wonlost record that got Hurney fired. It’s also the money. Richardson, the guy writing the checks, is wondering why he’s footing the bill for a pair of grossly overpriced running backs — DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart — with fresh contracts that guarantee $44 million between them.
The Panthers aren’t getting their money’s worth: Williams had two carries for 4 yards Sunday — the third game this season he failed to bust 10 rushing yards, with six carries or fewer. Stewart had 35 yards rushing against Dallas, while Newton led the team in rushing for the fourth time this season — a habit you don’t want from your quarterback — even if he can rip off a 40-yard run on any snap.
The two running backs, known as “Double Trouble” when they became the first NFL teammates to both gain 1,100 rushing yards in a season in 2009, are mismatched in Carolina’s read-option scheme. Too often when they are handed or pitched the ball, they are smothered by the defenders who already are in their faces.
Stewart, asked about the scheme last week, called it “finesse.” That’s a bad word when the backs established their market value in a power-I scheme that had them running behind linemen firing off the snap.
The contracts might be on Hurney, who signed quarterback Jake Delhomme to an extension after a disastrous playoff meltdown in the 2008 season. But when the backs were signed and defensive end Charles Johnson received a six-year, $72 million deal in 2011, Hurney was likely pursuing Richardson’s plan to use cap money to re-sign Panthers rather than shop on the open market.
After the team spent those millions, Rivera had offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski install the read-option system to take advantage of Newton’s skills. Now, defenses are catching up, and on Sunday, the finesse rushing attack was punchless as it got closer to the goal line.
And while Rivera grumbles about his team’s inability to close out games — the Panthers have lost nine times since last season when leading at halftime — the inconsistent rushing game is as problematic as the consistently withering defense.
Firing Hurney sends the message Carolina can get a fresh start on next year’s draft. Richardson is expected to have a wide-open search for the next general manager.
Rivera, in his second season, can buy himself time by fixing the offense around Newton, to take better advantage of the parts, like the running backs. It’s past time to make some adjustments.
That also applies to Newton, whose decision-making and leadership skills are right there for the world to see. When he talks changes, he must be sure to look in the mirror. A suggestion box?
“I think we need somebody to step up in the locker room and take hold,” Hurney said as he left. “I think there are people capable of that. I think we need some players to step up and say enough is enough.”
The former GM apparently has a suggestion of his own, in case the quarterback is listening.
Newton is the face of the franchise. If tackle Jordan Gross pouts after losses, it probably doesn’t make SportsCenter. The spotlight comes with the territory of his status. Ready or not, Newton has a leadership role that invites too much credit and too much blame.
This is not to suggest Newton — who has an undeniably fresh, fun-loving edge to him — needs to change the essence of the person.
But he must be careful about the messages he sends, especially now, when there’s no better time to be the ideal leader.