Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was unveiled Friday morning as a cologne spokesman.
The more important work this week was making sure his offense didn’t stink.
Since his offseason ankle surgery kept him out of OTAs and minicamp, Newton is catching up by working out with his receivers before training camp begins. You know, the receivers who are brand new since last season, given the mass exodus this offseason.
“We’re trying to fill in the question marks, and it starts with these days,” Newton told Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. “No distractions.”
That was the extent of Newton’s comments, but not of his work this week.
He took two of the backup quarterbacks, nine receivers and a tight end to a training complex in Greensboro, N.C. owned by Panthers receivers coach Ricky Proehl (who wasn’t there). Together, the group worked on developing some chemistry, bonding after workouts over meals as Newton tries to put his stamp on the team.
“This is like a brotherhood, and you need everybody in this group to go,” Panthers rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin said. “Just a like a car, we need every part of this to keep it going.”
It will only go as far as Newton drives it, as it will take more than a few nights in a hotel and some throwing sessions to catch up on the work he missed.