Hat tip to AceDrew for being the first to post this as a fanpost on CSR.
Olsen answers the initial question by saying the question should be why are the Panthers playing poorly.
I think collectively as a group we have struggled… We’ve played poorly around him. We need to play better to help him play better… Each guy is taking their turn making an error which can effect what the other ten are doing.
Stephen A. Smith then chimes in to say he disagrees 'at least a little bit' (nice hedge SAS) and explains he thinks the Panthers have taken away too many weapons from Newton, specifically Smitty, LaFell and Ginn. Though I might now agree with SAS 'at least a little bit' I think it has more to do with the o-line but SAS doesn't go there. He instead turns to Newton and his propensity to still put a towel on his head on the sideline and the anguished looks we've seen on his face lately. He asks if it show defeatism on Newton's part and whether it affects his teammates.
Olsen thinks other elite QBs get away with behaviors that Cam cannot, that Cam gets criticized for things that are commonplace. Olsen then explains what he and the rest of the team see from Newton: A guy that when its 3rd down he is a guy that will sell out his body to get that 1st down. Olsen refers to the TD run against the Saints, the 3rd and short runs up the middle 'with the big boys'.
"That's whey he is our leader unquestioned in the locker room." Olsen says.
Olsen quickly points out that Newton puts the towel on whether he scores a TD, they punt or even an INT. 'That's his thing' he expounds. Olsen also says many times 'we are all frustrated' and that we shouldn't be surprised or read anything in to it.
"So we are over blowing it?" SAS asks?
Winner winner chicken dinner!
Well said Greg! You are demonstrating leadership with this interview and set a great example for everyone on hos to back up your teammates. Never fear Cam...Thor has got your back!
Here's the whole piece though know the Newton discussion is only the first 5 minutes.