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Why Norv Turner can take Cam Newton to new heights in 2018

Norv Turner has been labeled as a quarterback guru over the years, but he will have his hands full in helping Cam Newton become an efficient passer in 2018.
Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has had a pretty incredible career thus far. The athletic quarterback won Rookie of the Year in 2011 and NFL MVP in 2015. But one thing that he has failed to accomplish at the NFL-level is becoming a consistent passer. In his seven-year career, the three-time Pro Bowler has finished a season with a completion percentage of 60% or more only twice. Newton finished with a 59.1% completion percentage in 2017, which ranked 28th in the NFL. To put that in perspective, Newton ranked behind Marcus Mariota, Jay Cutler, Blake Bortles and Mitchell Trubisky.

In January, the Panthers fired long-time offensive coordinator Mike Shula and hired quarterback guru Norv Turner. Turner was added to revamp not only their offense but their starting quarterback as well. Given Turner’s impressive track record helping quarterbacks reach higher efficiency levels, the Panthers organization has to be excited for Newton and Turner to work together this upcoming season.

Quarterback Whisperer Norv Turner’s Latest Project: Cam Newton

A Look at Turner’s History

After 10 seasons at the college level, Turner earned his first NFL gig with the Los Angeles Rams as a wide receivers coach. Turner spent six seasons with the Rams before Jimmie Johnson hired him to be his offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys.

It was in Dallas where Turner first displayed his ability to mold and help a quarterback flourish. His revolutionary game plan and his individual work with quarterback Troy Aikman turned the Cowboys into an offensive powerhouse. Aikman led the Cowboys to two Super Bowls during Turner’s tenure. Turner took a Dallas offense that finished last in the NFL in 1990 and made the jump to 9th overall in 1991. Aikman held a 7-18 record as a starter before Turner’s arrival but that improved 31-11 during his three seasons with Turner.

Head Coaching Acumen

After three seasons in Dallas, Turner became the head coach of the Washington Redskins. Turner did not have much talent to work with at Washington, as he worked with the likes of Gus Frerotte and Heath Shuler. Turner struggled to win games and struggled to turn anybody on the roster into an efficient passer. He was eventually fired by the Redskins in the 2000 season.

Over the next six seasons, Turner bounced around the NFL as both a head coach and offensive coordinator. While none of the quarterbacks he worked with then were his most notable projects, he did help players such as Doug Flutie (2001) and Jay Fiedler (2002) have some of their most efficient seasons.

In 2007, Turner was hired as the head coach for the San Diego Chargers. While there, he helped turn quarterback Philip Rivers into one of the premier passers in the NFL. In six seasons, Turner had Rivers completion percentage at 62% or higher. Additionally, Rivers led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2008 and passing yards in 2010. The quarterback was also voted to his first four pro bowls during Turner’s tenure in San Diego.

Life After San Diego

After a quick stint with the Cleveland Browns in 2013, Turner joined the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff 2014-2016. As offensive coordinator, he helped rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater achieve back to back seasons with a completion percentage of 64% or higher. In 2016, when Bridgewater went down with a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, many counted the Vikings out of contention. Sam Bradford was the Vikings back up that season and up until that point of his career, many considered him to be a draft bust. However, Turner helped turn the normally streaky Bradford into an elite passer. Bradford led the league in completion percentage (71.6%) and minimalized his turnover problems (20 touchdowns to 5 interceptions).

Working With Newton

As talented as Newton has been during his career, he has struggled to throw the deep and intermediate routes accurately. Turner’s offensive system requires the quarterback to make plenty of those type of throws which may be a cause for concern amongst Panthers fans. One of the first things Turner will have to address with Newton is polishing up his mechanics. As seen below, Newton tends to rely on his arm too much and does not set his feet before all of his throws.

 

On short passes, Newton can get away with his sloppy technique but if Turner wants him to become more accurate on his deep and intermediate throws, he will need to work on Newton’s footwork.

Patience Makes Perfect

Another big step for Newton and Turner will be working on the quarterback’s patience. Newton has a tendency to bail out of the pocket early when facing pressure, using his athleticism to scramble away. In order for these longer routes to develop in Turner’s system, Newton will have to trust his pass protection and stick in the pocket a little longer. It is easier said than done when your offensive line is allowing the pass rushers in this quickly:

 

The last challenge Turner and Newton will face is the amount of quarterback runs and option plays the new offense features. Under Shula, the Panthers used a heavy dose of quarterback designed runs especially in short yardage situations. Turner’s hiring signifies the Panthers are foucused on minimizing hits on Newton. They clearly do not want their franchise quarterback in situations where he can be hit often. However, Newton’s athleticism from the pocket is unlike anything the NFL has seen in recent years. Quite frankly, it would be a waste if the Panthers did not exercise the quarterback’s rare ability. The offensive coaching staff will have to set up a happy medium in which Turner calls a few zone reads and designed runs for Newton.

Closing Statement

Turner has already said this offseason that he wants Newton’s completion percentage in the mid-to-high 60’s in 2018. While that may seem as a big jump, Newton backed those comments during training camp. He believes he can finish with a completion percentage in the mid-to-high 60’s. Newton has faced and overcome a lot of challenges, but this may be one of his biggest challenges yet. However, if Newton can adapt and become a more efficient passer under Turner, expect the quarterback to have another MVP-caliber season and for the Panthers to make a deep run in the playoffs.

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