In a recent episode of “4th and 1 with Cam Newton,” former NFL quarterback Cam Newton stirred up controversy by sharing his extremely controversial thoughts on the MVP race and the performance of certain quarterbacks in the league.
During the podcast, Newton, who has previously won the MVP award himself, praised Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, labeling them as elite players.
However, he drew a distinction between “game-managers” and “game-changers” when discussing other notable quarterbacks, including Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers, and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins.
According to Newton, Prescott, Purdy, Tagovailoa, and Jared Goff are considered “game managers” and not “difference-makers.”
“(With) Brock, they’re not winning because of him. He’s not turning the ball over. He’s managing the game. And if we were to put that in its own right, as game-managers, Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jared Goff, and really, Dak Prescott…these are game-managers. They’re not difference-makers,” Newton expressed on the podcast.
Tua Tagovailoa and Brock Purdy are “game mangers,” not “difference makers” according to Cam Newton
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— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 13, 2023
The comments went viral on social media, prompting discussions and debates throughout the football world.
Newton elaborated on his point by suggesting that these quarterbacks are not responsible for winning games but rather focus on managing the team, avoiding mistakes, and ensuring they do not lose.
Obviously, most fans couldn’t help but laugh at Newton’s comments. After all, for anyone to try and downplay what those quarterbacks are doing, especially Purdy and Prescott, is comical.
In the 49ers case, they are the most talented team in the NFL, but it’s crystal clear to anyone who watches their games just how special of a quarterback Purdy is … His ability to process information, read defenses, and make pinpoint throws with extreme precision is one of the main reasons why San Francisco is the Super Bowl favorites.
here are some Brock Purdy highlights for all of the haters 🥱 pic.twitter.com/38JAoHjjJo
— CK (@ciarranotmist) December 6, 2023
Also, of all seasons to criticize Prescott, Newton couldn’t have picked a worse one.
"Cam Newton, you had a worse career than Dak Prescott."
— @jasonrmcintyre reacts to Cam Newton's comments on Dallas' QB pic.twitter.com/kN3lWSlCXR
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 13, 2023
There’s a reason why those two, Purdy and Prescott, are the favorites to win the MVP.
Regarding Goff, he’s used to taking heat from critics. However, it’s foolish to not recognize that he is indeed a difference-maker on the field.
In fairness, the jury might still be out on Tua however … Great person. Hard worker. Extremely accurate – But he may still be leaning more towards “game-manager” at this point rather than “difference-maker.”
Regardless, Newton is entitled to his own opinion just like everyone is … Although some people chalk this particular take up to sour grapes and Newton’s unhappiness that no team in the league has had any interest whatsoever in signing him.
Kimberley Martin reacts to Cam Newton calling Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, Jared Goff and Dak Prescott game managers: "In the year of 2023 where it's all about NFL backups, where is Cam? Not on an NFL roster, right? He's talking about all of these NFL game managers. He sounds… pic.twitter.com/vdqZ3NW7sN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 13, 2023
What are your thoughts on Newton’s comments?
Do you agree that those four quarterbacks are merely “game-managers?”
Who is your early pick for NFL MVP???