Stop Saying "Bench Cam Newton"

Sure, this season has been disappointing so far for our Carolina Panthers. After a promising 2-0 start, Carolina has lost their past two games to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens by a combined score of 75-29.

But the fact that there are so many people saying that the team should bench Cam Newton is even more disappointing than these last two games.

Here's the thing: these losses are not on Cam, no matter what you've heard. Here are his stats from the past two weeks: 38/60, 447 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 5 sacks.

The most telling stats? ZERO interceptions. FIVE sacks. None of which are his fault.

The offensive line has been the worst part of this team. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. So why is Cam getting the blame for being unprotected? Why are so many people clamoring to bench him when he's literally getting hurt trying to carry this team?

If anything, Cam Newton has been the most consistent player for the Carolina Panthers so far this season.

Cam is getting no help from anyone. The running game has suffered because of poor play from the offensive line and because of injuries. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, and Fozzy Whittaker are all hurting right now, leaving the load to Darrin Reaves and Tauren Poole. The offensive line can't stop a nosebleed. The defense is sloppy, uncharacteristic, undisciplined. They can't tackle anyone. The front seven can't get any pressure on opposing QBs or stuff the runners at the line. The secondary is getting exposed. They can't cover any receiver to save their lives.

If you think that Cam is the problem for this team, you are wrong. It's as simple as that. You're wrong.

Offensive coordinator Mike Shula can't play to this offense's strengths. He calls way too many run plays at the worst times. For example: the Panthers had the ball near midfield on a 3rd and 7 early in the Baltimore game. Instead of throwing, Shula calls a draw play up the middle that goes for four yards. Fourth down.

Now, I'm not saying that Cam is the alpha and omega of this team. I'm not saying he is past criticism.

What I am saying is this: STOP saying that the team should bench Cam Newton.

Look at it this way. If Carolina was to bench Cam, that means 31-year old Derek Anderson would start. And if you think Anderson is a better quarterback than Cam, you may not know football.

Anderson is a quality back up. When Cam was out, we needed Anderson to step up, and he did. If we're thinking long-term, Anderson is not a better option than Cam.

Sure, Cam is hurting. That's obvious. Every time he takes a hit, you can see him grimacing in pain. He walks slow. Do you really think that's his fault? As I said before, the offensive line can't stop a nosebleed at this point. The fact Cam stays in the game and continues to be consistent is a testament to both his mental and physical strength.

It seems that whenever a football team is failing, everybody wants to blame two people: the head coach and the quarterback. Regardless of whether or not it's their fault, the cries you hear to replace these two positions are loud and clear.

They shouldn't be.

Look, I get it. You're tired of losing. You're tired of being disappointed. Trust me, as a lifelong Panthers fan, I get it. Historically, this team tends to be a big heartbreaker.

Just stay patient, Panther nation. Cam is our guy. Remember that. He is our guy.

Keep pounding.