Piling On

So many are rushing to the defense of Cam Newton. They hitched their wagon to the wrong horse, and now they’re making excuses. The experts said Cam gave up. He abruptly left the press conference after only taking a few questions. Based on his previous body of work, I am not surprised. As I have said before, Newton is a tremendous talent. He earned the MVP on the field. Is he good for the game? In some ways yes, but in other ways no. Is he a good example? I’m not so sure.

 

When the Seahawks embarrassed the Broncos in Super Bowl 48, Peyton Manning appeared at the post-game press conference in coat and tie and answered all the questions. He did not blame anyone else. His center snapped the ball prematurely and inaccurately, resulting in a safety on the first play from scrimmage. Peyton did not blame him. Instead he gave credit to his opponents. Sure, so did Cam. But Manning stood and answered all the other questions as well. No one came to his defense, offering excuses and explanations for his loss.

 

Did the Seahawks talk? Were they in his face? Was there a difference in the way the Seahawks treated Peyton versus the Broncos treatment of Cam? Defenses try to rattle a quarterback, and when the succeed they step on the gas. Seattle learned that Peyton was not to be rattled, and turned their attention to other players. Payton’s performance and demeanor had earned the Seahawks respect. Not so with Newton. The Broncos knew they had him rattled, and didn’t let up.

 

Was it fair that Newton had to put up with the Broncos’ loud celebrations while he tried to answer postgame questions? Did the Broncos not have to put with two weeks of Cam Newton talk before the game?

 

Cam’s father is quick to note that his son did not have the opportunities growing up that Peyton did. I’m not sure that’s an accurate statement. Mr. Newton said himself that Cam played rec ball and excelled at Westside High. Cam attended camps, as did Peyton. It’s harder for a rich, coddled kid to have the hunger and desire to become an elite athlete when faced with choices not requiring the work and effort. Peyton played against competition inferior to the opponents Cam faced. When it came time to choose a college Peyton’s father took a back seat, and let Peyton succeed or fail on his own – which surely helped Peyton make decisions later in life. Archie refused to meddle, even when asked by Peyton’s coaches. Instead he kept a low profile. Mr. Newton chose the opposite path.

 

Early in their careers both Michael Jordan and LeBron James faltered in the postseason. The press repeatedly asked if and when they would win. Both MJ and LeBron yearned to win and hated to lose, especially Jordan. Like them, Peyton Manning hates to lose. But they all faced the press after their losses.

 

Unlike many journalists I’m not one to parse an athlete’s words, but Newton’s words this morning give me no indication that things will change anytime soon. His excuse that lunging for the fumble would’ve risked injury is plausible, except for two things (1) isn’t the outcome of the Super Bowl on the line more important than any injury risk? He’d have the entire off-season to recover, and (2) don’t all Cam’s teammates have an even greater risk of injury on EVERY play? If Cam’s not going all out, why should they?

 

Unlike his father, Peyton is no Saint. As I have already said, neither is perfect. After the Super Bowl Peyton did refuse to answer some questions – about his own retirement. Instead of taking the spotlight for himself, Manning kept the focus on the team. He knew there would be time to make and announce a decision after enjoying the victory.

 

Would I want Cam Newton to quarterback my team? A better question: would I want him taking snaps late in the fourth quarter with a Super Bowl on the line, against a tough defense? Late Sunday night Newton answered that question for himself.