Steve Smith rips into Cam Newton; QB's leadership once again questioned

[FreeMan12406]

Steve Smith rips into Cam Newton late in loss to Giants; quarterback?s leadership once again questioned | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/steve-smith-rips-cam-newton-loss-giants-quarterback-180025405--nfl.html)

Late in the Carolina Panthers' Thursday night 36-7 loss to the New York Giants, quarterback Cam Newton was sitting dejected on the sideline when receiver Steve Smith came over and positively earholed the second-year star. Smith objected to the fact that Newton's demeanor wasn't appropriate for an NFL starting quarterback, and he made that clear in no uncertain terms. In Smith's mind, Newton should have acted more like backups Derek Anderson and Jimmy Clausen.

"I watched D.A. and Jimmy, they don't play in 20-something games last year," Smith told Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, adding that he used some "unchoice words" in the process. "And they get up and they observe and learn and get those mental reps. I told [Newton], 'You can get some mental reps or you can sit on that bench and sulk.'"

Newton had perhaps the worst game of his career, completing just 16 passes in 30 attempts for 242 yards and three interceptions. But that wasn't Smith's problem. As he told the media, it was far more about what Newton was doing on the bench than on the field.

"Cam Newton has a very unique opportunity to be a franchise quarterback to an organization that needs one. Statistics don't lie. Athletic quarterbacks, they either excel or they fail. And I told Cam that. This is an opportunity for him to learn — at that time they were benching him — and observe. They put D.A. [Derek Anderson] in. You can sit there -- if this is the worst [it's] going to get, you're in for a long day, and this is not what it's about."

This isn't the first time Newton's teammates have taken issue with his demeanor when things go wrong. Last December, he was told by Panthers offensive linemen Jordan Gross and Ryan Kalil that he needed to keep his head up when situations aren't perfect.

"They always get on me — I have a bad tendency of showing my emotions on my face. I have to change it, and I'm trying to change it. But those guys constantly stay in my ear, saying, 'You've got to be that same leader from the first quarter to the last quarter' ... It made me mindful it can be somewhat of a detrimental conduct to the team. If you're mad. If you're ticked off. Not saying that everybody else is not feeling the same way you [are]. But at the quarterback position, you have to stay even-keeled."

Superbowl bound right?

[trixstar]

I think everyone is aware at how much Steve Smith runs his mouth. Nice of him to keep this stuff in house.

[Broski044]

First off, I love that avatar FreeMan. Second, I am glad to hear about Steve Smith getting on his case. He has all the tools you want but if his head isn't right he will fall on his face.

[burke23]

I think everyone is aware at how much Steve Smith runs his mouth. Nice of him to keep this stuff in house.

Yeah - for a guy that beat the crap out of his own teammate and has had run-ins with others, what the hell does he know about leadership (your opinion on Newton aside)?

[Chaz]

He is trying to motivate him people.

[FreeMan12406]

Yeah I think what Steve is trying to say is you wouldn't see Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Eli, Big Ben, etc sulking on the sidelines if/when they get pulled from a game.

Cam needs to grow up.

[Chaz]

Yeah I think what Steve is trying to say is you wouldn't see Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Eli, Big Ben, etc sulking on the sidelines if/when they get pulled from a game.

Cam needs to grow up.

Exactly, couldn't have been put any better. Like Clausen and Anderson would kill to get the chance to do what your doing and your acting like Jay Cutler over here sulking on the bench. Wake up and get your butt on that field and win.

[HighEndHits]

Yeah I think what Steve is trying to say is you wouldn't see Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Eli, Big Ben, etc sulking on the sidelines if/when they get pulled from a game.

Cam needs to grow up.

They wouldn't be sulking they would be fighting with their coaches.

[PDawson21]

He does, but at the same time, he is only 23 years old and a 2nd year QB. I think people forget that sometimes.

[HighEndHits]

He does, but at the same time, he is only 23 years old and a 2nd year QB. I think people forget that sometimes.

people know that, but he is a QB in the NFL. He better grow up fast because the men surrounding him on the team don't have forever to wait.

[PDawson21]

people know that, but he is a QB in the NFL. He better grow up fast because the men surrounding him on the team don't have forever to wait.

MJD is a running back in the NFL, he seemed to want money more than the opportunity to play but we don't see the same kind of criticism of needing to grow up.

[MI Rob]

When Cam performs well, he acts like he's Superman. When he struggles he acts like a child. The kid sits on the bench with a towel on his head, what leader does that?

Leaders are born. I personally don't see Cam becoming a leader.

[Bigbadbloom]

MJD is a running back in the NFL, he seemed to want money more than the opportunity to play but we don't see the same kind of criticism of needing to grow up.

Completely different situation. Sulking because you are losing has nothing to do with wanting more money because you deserve it.

Cam isn't washed up by strech of the imagination, but we are seeing lots of holes in his armor. Steve Smith has been a pillar in the Carolina franchise for a decade and it is his job to call the kid out. Cam needs to learn how to lose before he can ever hope to be successful in this league. I think his athletic talent have made hime lazy and complacent. If he makes it into the elite QBs in the NFL i would be very surprised.

[PDawson21]

Completely different situation. Sulking because you are losing has nothing to do with wanting more money because you deserve it.

Cam isn't washed up by strech of the imagination, but we are seeing lots of holes in his armor. Steve Smith has been a pillar in the Carolina franchise for a decade and it is his job to call the kid out. Cam needs to learn how to lose before he can ever hope to be successful in this league. I think his athletic talent have made hime lazy and complacent. If he makes it into the elite QBs in the NFL i would be very surprised.

Personally I think he will be an elite QB. Already broke all the rookie records.

[HighEndHits]

MJD is a running back in the NFL, he seemed to want money more than the opportunity to play but we don't see the same kind of criticism of needing to grow up.

teammates don't criticize other teammates over contacts. They're in the same situation at one point or another and you don't come between a man and his money. The NFL isn't high school or college. No one is going to coddle you or wait forever for you to mature. The other players on the team don't have an unlimited amount of time to wait on Cam maturing. They need him to do that fast. And it is just a reality that if he doesn't he will be out of the league like so many before him that had a world of talent but didn't last long. Steve Smith was just telling it like it is.

[Chaz]

Personally I think he will be an elite QB. Already broke all the rookie records.

Me too he has too much talent to be a bum, I mean Cutler sucks all the time and acts like a kid and people still won't say he is a bum because he has a bad game. Same could be said for a couple other QBs in the league

[MI Rob]

Me too he has too much talent to be a bum, I mean Cutler sucks all the time and acts like a kid and people still won't say he is a bum because he has a bad game. Same could be said for a couple other QBs in the league

There have been numerous quarterbacks introduced to the NFL with loads of talent who become scrubs. Some stay in the league until replaced, or they hit the bench.

[Chaz]

There have been numerous quarterbacks introduced to the NFL with loads of talent who become scrubs. Some stay in the league until replaced, or they hit the bench.

Ya I understand what your saying but he already proved he can play at an NFL level

[atma232]

Ya I understand what your saying but he already proved he can play at an NFL level

so did vince young, made 2 straight pro bowls and then? lol

[PDawson21]

so did vince young, made 2 straight pro bowls and then? lol

VY and Cam are on two different levels.

[ninjacookies]

I love how Cam always gets the VY Comparison, even last year.

Please let me know when VY ever set any rookie passing or rushing records, let alone had a 'franchise-calliber' season. Sure, he had a good winning percentage, but his on-field production dating back to his rookie year were about as impressive as Trent Dilfer in his prime.

They're both tall, BLACK (probably biggest component), and won the National BCS Championship through heroics. But that's right about where the similarities end.

[PDawson21]

I love how Cam always gets the VY Comparison, even last year.

Please let me know when VY ever set any rookie passing or rushing records, let alone had a 'franchise-calliber' season. Sure, he had a good winning percentage, but his on-field production dating back to his rookie year were about as impressive as Trent Dilfer in his prime.

They're both tall, BLACK (probably biggest component), and won the National BCS Championship through heroics. But that's right about where the similarities end.

Preeeeacchhhhhh!

[Divino]

Good for Steve Smith. Sometimes it takes some tough love to get your young superstar to blossom.

[kevinandji]

When you have been grinding in the NFL like the O line and Smith and see your QB who in one year is Mr Carolina, the face of the franchise, the guy everyone is talking about or asking you about it is real easy to get upset when you sulk and not man up. It is very tough for a veteran to see these new guys get anointed year after year when they have been on the grind and know what it takes to win and lead. Cam is awesome on the field and has, too date, proven he belongs on the field. He needs to man up and show his team that he can be humbled and use it as motivation to become a true leader that he needs to be. You have already proven yourself the starter now time to lead with your actions both in good times and bad.

[purejd86p]

Steve Smith is one to talk. He has no room to talk after the crap he has pulled.

[1eyed_jack]

MJD is a running back in the NFL, he seemed to want money more than the opportunity to play but we don't see the same kind of criticism of needing to grow up.

How so? As far as I know, MJD didn't get what he wanted, no new contract, and yet he still returned and is playing.

So clearly if he was more concerned about money he wouldn't have returned and be playing right now.

I don't get your comment

[JefDav84]

I have been a life long Panther fan, and was at the game last night. I wont go to much into my thoughts of how pathetic it was, but I will give my opinion on this. Something needed to be said to Cam. The pouting and all that he does when we lose games is getting out of hand. Something needed to be said, and it couldn't have come from a better player than Smith. I am hoping this game was an eye opener for Cam.

[addicted36]

Steve Smith putting in the tough love showing his heart to his QB. As a fan of football I love this and should Santana Moss have to grab RG3 up by his boot straps after a loss then I would support that too. Cam is a 23 year old kid playing a position that guys have played well into there late 30s. He can either heed this advise or show his immaturity again. Every NFL player wants to win but not all get to. Cam has heart and I hope he learns and matures from this. The measure of a man is shown at times like these

[trixstar]

I don'I have a problem with him having this take on Newton, I have a problem with him blabbing it to a journalist. Take it to Cam 1 on 1 (without starting a fight) if thats possible for Smith to do.

[addicted36]

Who is to say he hasn't already? Sometimes airing your dirty laundry in public is necessary to inact a change in someones behavior. After I read cams comments about every panther fans lowering his head in shame I was offended. Something needed to be said publically to protect the team and its fans and that's coming from a Redskin fan. I would be pissed if RG3 said that and shows his immaturity. Cam needs to grow up and lead

[trixstar]

Ok, if you honestly think that blabbing this garbage to the media makes anyone inside the locker room happy you've never been on any kind of team in your life.

[JefDav84]

I don'I have a problem with him having this take on Newton, I have a problem with him blabbing it to a journalist. Take it to Cam 1 on 1 (without starting a fight) if thats possible for Smith to do.

He technically didn't blab it to the media. A local radio/reporter guy saw Smitty laying into Cam on the sideline last night. The reporter sent word to our local beat writer about the situation and he asked Smith what happened in interviews today. So it's not like Smith was bad mouthing what he did to the media, he simply answered the questions he was asked with honesty.

[JefDav84]

Smith was just pissed at the whole situation. Cam was pouting on the sidelines after he got pulled from the game and would not get up. Smith basically told him to go watch the game and learn some things instead of being a sore loser. I love Cam to death, but he needs to grow up. They were even showing clips where our QB coach was trying to show him stuff in between drives, and he basically ignored it while sitting on the bench with towel over his head.

[addicted36]

As for the ignorant comment about me never being on any teams in my life that's just stupid. So is the idea that leaders don't lead like Smith was doing here. When someone publically embarasses a team an answer must be given. Another stupid idea is that all 53 men on an Nfl team think the same about everything like this. Believe it or not different people hav different ideas.

[cdub6238]

He technically didn't blab it to the media. A local radio/reporter guy saw Smitty laying into Cam on the sideline last night. The reporter sent word to our local beat writer about the situation and he asked Smith what happened in interviews today. So it's not like Smith was bad mouthing what he did to the media, he simply answered the questions he was asked with honesty.

This is the same Steve Smith that punched his teammate and broke his nose in practice correct?

This is also the same Steve Smith that gave up in 2010 because they drafted Clausen..and he didnt want to play with him at QB (because he wanted a QB like Cam, Vick etc)?

So..now hes getting on Cam's ass (deserved or not is irrelevant) and talking about it to the media?

this guy sounds like a great teammate, no?

Now..regarding him not "blabbing to the media".

So..he was asked about the confrontation on the sideline..so what? He couldnt have said- No comment; or, it was a personal conversation between me and him; or something along those lines...

no he went and put his QB on blast (again deserved or not is irrelevant) in the media.

Again i ask..great teammate, no?

[runrickyrun]

MJD is a running back in the NFL, he seemed to want money more than the opportunity to play but we don't see the same kind of criticism of needing to grow up.

For all we know, MJD might have used his contract to avoid training camp. With the money he makes, he can afford to lose some of it during training camp (he did receive it back). MJD is known as quite the workout-pheen. He probably figured he could stay healthier and stronger/faster working out on his own than partaking in training camp and meaningless pre-season games. He wouldn't be the first player to do something like this.

Sorry to get off track. Steve Smith has made mistakes, but he sees the potential in Cam Newton and has every right to try to provide some guidance. Cam Newton has the physical attributes to dominate, but I have a gut feeling that his mental state will prevent him from being a consistent player.

[trixstar]

As for the ignorant comment about me never being on any teams in my life that's just stupid. So is the idea that leaders don't lead like Smith was doing here. When someone publically embarasses a team an answer must be given. Another stupid idea is that all 53 men on an Nfl team think the same about everything like this. Believe it or not different people hav different ideas.

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1411405/rFBam_medium.gif

[kparpart]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1411405/rFBam_medium.gif

I LOL'd @ this^^^......:(:rolleyes::D

[TKChicago]

Steve Smith is a jackass....he's one to talk...Congrats Steve on those 2 catches on the last drive!!!! Way to play your ass off down 29 points, demanding the ball just to rack up stats....!!! I know this is somehow gonna cost me my fantasy match up this week... ASS

[RamRage]

When Cam performs well, he acts like he's Superman. When he struggles he acts like a child. The kid sits on the bench with a towel on his head, what leader does that?

Leaders are born. I personally don't see Cam becoming a leader.

When he performs well, he pretty much is superman! But if you can't have that mentality all the time, your going to fall flat on your face. Cutler anyone?

[FanboyOfNone]

For me, the source of the tough love on Cam doesn't matter. TO, Plaxico, and Ochocinco could be yelling at him together while inviting the article writers to record it (exaggerating here).

He needs to keep watching when hope is seemingly gone. He needs veterans on his tail. He needs to be forced to listen to advice from his football elders. There can be many team leaders, but your QB needs to show poise in every situation. Ryan Leafs cry when they throw 3 picks. Peyton Mannings go out and score one more TD to show the team they're not rolling over in a loss.

The kid still has a lot to learn and I don't see being coddled as part of that. I think he can rise to the ocassion, but he has to get there mentally. Losing with grace is a huge part of that.