FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 2/2/2013 12:03am et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton said he is very happy with the decision to make Mike Shula the team's new offensive coordinator. "I don't think there was a better person that could come in and take over," Newton said. "I'm excited about taking the next steps in the process with him." Newton said he has talked with Shula several times and expects the offense to be similar to the one they have been using but with some changes.

Huddle Up: Shula has done a nice job with Newton's development, and the continuity won't hurt as he takes over the reins of the Carolina offense. And a happy Cam is a productive Cam, which bodes well for his fantasy potential in 2013.

Posted: 1/2/2013 2:24pm et

X-rays on Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's ribs revealed no fractures, while test results on his injured ankle showed a minor high sprain, according to the team's trainer, Ryan Vermillion.

Huddle Up: Newton said if the Panthers were playing this weekend he'd play, but they're not so he'll have all offseason to recover.

Posted: 12/30/2012 9:11pm et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle, ribs) is scheduled to undergo X-rays on his ankle and ribs Monday, Dec. 31, after suffering injuries in Week 17.

Huddle Up: Newton, who had been on a season-ending tear, finished with 248 passing yards and 34 more on the ground Sunday, but failed to notch a rushing or passing TD for the first time since Week 8.

Posted: 12/29/2012 4:58pm et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton was fined $10,000 for kicking an opposing player in Week 16. Newton was also fined an additional $21,000 for contact with an official during the same game.

Huddle Up: While Newton has run afoul of the league police, he has come through big time down the stretch for the Panthers and his fantasy owners, throwing for 11 TDs and rushing for 4 more while tossing only 2 interceptions over his last 6 games.

Posted: 12/28/2012 10:09am et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been fined $21,000 for abusive conduct toward an official. Newton was penalized for disrespecting an official during the team's Week 16 game.

Huddle Up: That's not the kind of example Cam wants to set for Nate, the little kid from the Play 60 ad who plans to take his job.

Posted: 12/17/2012 12:40am et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle, finger) completed 19 of his 33 pass attempts for 231 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the Week 15 win against the San Diego Chargers. He also had four runs for seven yards. Newton banged his right index finger on the helmet of San Diego Chargers DL Cam Thomas, cutting his knuckle. He said that, and the twisted ankle he also suffered, were fine.

Huddle Up: Newton definitely did his part but didn't need to be Superman with RBs Mike Tolbert (40 yards, 2 TDs) and DeAngelo Williams (144 total yards, TD) gashing the Chargers.

Posted: 11/26/2012 11:56pm et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton completed 18-of-28 passes for 306 yards, 2 TDs and no interceptions and added 52 yards and 2 TDs on the ground Monday night in 30-22 Week 12 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Huddle Up: The Cam Newton of 2011 showed up at Lincoln Financial Field, producing some big-time numbers for his fantasy owners just in time for a late-season playoff push. Now if only Newton could go up against the Eagles' defense every week ...

Posted: 11/3/2012 7:23pm et

Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III has more carries on designed-run plays than any other quarterback in the league this season. Griffin has 41 designed-run plays, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton ranks second in the league in designed-run plays for quarterbacks. He has 34 designed-run plays, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Huddle Up: While Newton is on target to better his rookie rushing yardage total (709-706) from a year ago, his rushing TD numbers are well off his record-setting pace. Through 7 games, the Carolina QB only has rushed for 3 TDs which puts him on pace for 7, which would be half of his QB-record 14.

Posted: 10/11/2012 12:04pm et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's father, Cecil Newton, said he has been bothered with how the quarterback has dealt with the media following losses and needs to change how he handles adversity. "He's probably not dealing with it the best way in terms of the way the public sees it, and some people see it is as immature," Cecil said. "Cam is an intense player who's committed his whole heart to winning. I think the immature action is the opposite. If Cam didn't care that'd be immature and cause for concern."

Huddle Up: Cam is in that "adjustment to the adjustments" phase of his development, and thus far in Year 2 it's been tough. Losing Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil won't help, either.

Posted: 9/29/2012 6:06pm et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is 0-11 when he throws an interception in a game. Newton's record is 7-1 when he doesn't throw a pick.

Huddle Up: It's doubly important this week with the Panthers facing the opportunistic Falcons, who have seven interceptions in 3 games. On the flip side, Atlanta only has allowed 2 TD passes.

Posted: 9/24/2012 3:21pm et

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly 'privately concerned' about the mental makeup of QB Cam Newton after he pouted on the sidelines after being pulled from a Week 3 loss to the New York Giants. Newton has put in time with a 'mind coach' to help him adjust to the expectations that have been put upon him.

Huddle Up: Cam certainly didn't sport the look of a leader in the loss so the team's concerns are legitimate.

Posted: 9/21/2012 12:06am et

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton was 16-of-30 for 242 yards and 3 interceptions Thursday night in a 36-7 loss to the visiting New York Giants. He ran for a TD and 6 yards on 6 carries.

Huddle Up: Newton was no match for the world champs' defense, which simply stifled the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. That's twice in 3 games that Newton has completely been held in check this season, leaving his fantasy owners with some legitimate questions.

Posted: 9/5/2012 11:48am et

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday, Sept. 4, that there will be no restrictions on QB Cam Newton in the running game. Newton is especially expected to be a threat to run in the red zone.

Huddle Up: Newton's 14 rushing touchdowns a year ago were a major factor in his fantasy value. The expectation is that he won't run nearly as much as he did during his rookie campaign, but those who spent big money on Newton in their recent fantasy draft or auction should be relieved to know there's no official team decree to that regard.

Posted: 6/6/2012 12:26am et

Carolina Panthers OT Jeff Otah's (knee) left knee is OK, according to head coach Ron Rivera. Otah underwent an MRI last week after he developed swelling around the knee. His status for the rest of organized team activities and next week's mandatory minicamp is uncertain.

Huddle Up: The supremely talented Otah has had two surgeries on his left knee, and at this point his return to health would just be gravy for Carolina and Cam Newton. Byron Bell filled in at right tackle for 12 games last year and held up just fine.