Cam Newton believes Lamar Jackson is the best ‘dual threat’ quarterback in NFL history.
Newton , the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft , electrified the league for the Carolina Panthers . He won MVP honors in 2015, leading the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 where the franchise was upset by the Denver Broncos .
The former Auburn star, who won the Heisman Trophy during his college days, is the NFL leader in career quarterback rushing touchdowns and second in career quarterback rushing yards behind Michael Vick. Newton is considered by many to be the greatest ‘dual threat’ quarterback ever seen thanks to his remarkable frame, speed, and athleticism - but he suggested Jackson is more effective.
READ MORE: 49ers called out for 'disrespectful' treatment of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk
READ MORE: New York Giants GM drags in Patrick Mahomes to make damning comments about his team
Newton essentially handed the baton to Jackson as his career wound down while the Baltimore Ravens quarterback entered the league and became a star. When asked on his '4th And 1' podcast whether he’s the greatest dual-threat ever, Newton answered: “No. Lamar Jackson.”
The 35-year-old, who suffered from numerous injuries as his body broke down toward the end of his career, claimed Jackson’s exceptional speed allows him to break more big plays. Newton suggested his power in short-yardage situations was effective, but Jackson and Vick posed a greater threat to the opposition as they could burst through and score from any position on the field.
“Lamar’s style is different than mine,” Newton said. “He’s got big plays any play. He’s got speed that I never had. And he’s just a legend. I played the game more powerful. I can run, but I’m going to probably get caught. Vick, Lamar, they ain’t getting caught.”
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Newton retired with 5,628 rushing yards - the second-most for a quarterback in NFL history behind Vick’s total of 6,109 - alongside his record 75 rushing touchdowns. Jackson currently has 5,258 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns, so while the Ravens star could pass Vick this season if he tallies a third 1,000-yard season in four years, he has some way to go to catch Newton’s touchdown record.
But Jackson is a phenomenal talent. He won his first MVP in 2019, becoming only the second unanimous winner of the coveted award after Tom Brady , before clinching his second last season as he led the Ravens to the first seed in the AFC.
In 2023, Jackson excelled with his arm as much as with his legs, setting a career-high 67.2 completion percentage alongside a 102.7 rating. He also threw just seven interceptions to go with 24 touchdowns as he spearheaded the Ravens’ charge to the AFC Championship.
After being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson promised he would pay the Ravens back by leading the team to a championship. As he enters his second season under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the reigning MVP is eyeing a championship.
Follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
Most Popular
Comments / 0