Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the NFC South top 10 players

2. Cam Newton

What Cam Newton lacks in sportsmanship he more than makes up for in talent. He was a freak of nature this past season. In all the years of NFL football I do not believe I have ever seen an athlete quite like Newton. Love him or hate him there is no doubting his talent.

If this list was based solely on last season, he would be top the list with no hesitation. What kept him from claiming the top spot is the fact he has really only had one awesome season. Not to discredit him or his past seasons at all, simply consistency is important and until we see another year of Cam doing things like he did in 2015 I will remain a bit pessimistic he can continue the pace.

One of the biggest steps that Newton took in the past couple of years is becoming a good passing quarterback who does not always have to take the hits. He does not seem to grasp the concept though as he consistently took shots and leaped into and over players this past season. While these plays make a great highlight reel they wear on a quarterback’s health. For him to remain the top quarterback in the league he will have to learn this.

This is not to say he should not run as that is a big part of the Panthers’ offense and his game. Simply to put up big numbers and produce he needs to be on the field and to stay on the field he is going to have to minimize the free shots he takes.

Next: No. 1