The vendetta that SI's Peter King has against Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is certainly interesting. Newton was the 2011 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year with Carolina, has increased his QB rating in each of his three seasons in the league, and has led four fourth quarter comebacks this year – twice as many in his first two years combined. Newton led the Panthers to a 17-13 win over the Saints on Sunday, clinching Carolina's first playoff berth since 2008.
But that's not good enough for King.
After a three and out by Newton late in the fourth quarter, he fired off these back to back tweets, seemingly thinking the game was over. Keep in mind, it was absolutely pouring for most of the game, and both offenses looked terrible as a result. It's also worth noting that Newton's favorite wide receiver, Steve Smith was knocked out of the game early with a leg injury.
Has Cam Newton made a play today? One?
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) December 22, 2013
Carolina drafted Newton first overall for games like this, and he's failing them miserably today.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) December 22, 2013
Of course, you all know what happened after that. The Saints and Panthers traded punts, Newton got the ball back with under a minute left, and drove the Panthers 65 yards in five plays and 32 seconds to give Carolina the lead. The Panthers' franchise quarterback made three incredible throws on the drive, remaining cool under pressure despite not having any timeouts left. It was a fantastic performance by the 2011 first overall pick. King proceeded to eat some crow, while still managing to bury Newton.
A huge drive for Newton, a season-saver. Good for him. He needed that.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) December 22, 2013
In his Monday Morning Quarterback column this morning, King continued to hand out backhanded compliments to Newton, saying "good for Newton" and also going back to the well about Newton being a disappointment prior to that one drive.
Here's my question for King: if Newton is a disappointment, what does that make Matthew Stafford, who has played in one playoff game in five years with the Lions? What does that make Sam Bradford, who has not only never made the playoffs, but never led his team to a .500 record? How about Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, or hell, even Robert Griffin III? Cam Newton being a diasppointment is a lazy, tired talking point that will forever live on, even if Newton wins a Super Bowl and the MVP award.
I'm actually wondering how much of King taking aim at Newton is because of a personal vendetta, given this tweet from Newton's rookie season and the history between the pair.
Interesting but not too surprising: Just got stiffed at Panther camp by Cam Newton. Chose not to talk to me post-evening practice.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) August 1, 2011
Hmmmm….
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