Cam Newton surprisingly places himself third in the all-time mobile quarterback rankings, behind Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick, sparking debate among NFL analysts and fans. This article delves into Newton’s reasoning and compares the three quarterbacks’ careers.
On a recent episode of “First Take,” former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton made headlines by ranking himself third among the greatest mobile quarterbacks in NFL history. He placed Lamar Jackson first and Michael Vick second, a decision that surprised many, including ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. This article examines Newton’s self-assessment and compares the careers of these three dynamic quarterbacks.
Newton’s Surprising Self-Assessment
Newton’s decision to rank himself below Jackson and Vick raised eyebrows, especially considering his impressive career highlights, including leading the Panthers to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl appearance. He justified his ranking by emphasizing Vick’s potential for even greater rushing yardage had designed quarterback runs been more prevalent during his era.
Cam Newton warming up before a game.
Alt text: Cam Newton warming up before an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Stephen A. Smith Disagrees with Newton
Stephen A. Smith openly challenged Newton’s assessment, arguing that Newton’s accomplishments, particularly his Super Bowl run, surpassed those of Vick. Smith acknowledged Jackson’s superior talent, placing him ahead of Newton, but maintained that Newton deserved the second spot over Vick. This disagreement highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the legacies of these influential quarterbacks.
Comparing the Three Quarterback Legends
While all three quarterbacks boast remarkable highlight reels and have significantly impacted the game, their statistical achievements and career trajectories differ. Michael Vick, though a trailblazer, played in an era less conducive to mobile quarterbacks.
Alt text: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson running with the football during an NFL game.
Lamar Jackson, with his exceptional speed and arm strength, boasts impressive statistics, exceeding both Newton and Vick in several categories, including touchdown-to-interception ratio. He holds the single-season rushing record for a quarterback and has already won an MVP award. However, he has yet to reach a Super Bowl.
The Legacy of Mobile Quarterbacks
Cam Newton, with his powerful running style and impressive passing ability, led the Panthers to unprecedented success, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. His unique skillset revolutionized the quarterback position. While Vick and Newton’s NFL stories are complete, Jackson’s legacy is still being written. He has the potential to surpass both predecessors but faces the pressure of maintaining his elite level of play.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the ranking of mobile quarterbacks like Jackson, Newton, and Vick highlights the evolution of the position and the diverse criteria used to evaluate greatness. While individual statistics and accolades provide a framework for comparison, subjective factors like leadership, impact on the game, and era-specific context also play a crucial role in shaping public perception and determining a player’s place in NFL history. Where do you think Cam Newton ranks among the all-time great mobile quarterbacks?
