At the same time, Newton knows he still has plenty to learn. That’s one of the reasons why he’s excited to work with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, who he referred to as “OGs” of the game. He remembers watching them in middle school as they dominated SEC offensive linemen at Alabama, and now he gets to learn how they managed to have successful professional careers.
Newton doesn’t plan on wasting that opportunity.
“I can pick up an endless amount of game, pass rush, run stopping, how they watch film, how they recover, all that,” Newton said.
The recovery part could be big for Newton since he’s coming back from foot surgery that prevented him from participating in OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Allen had to come back from a foot injury as well, so the veteran can pass on some important tips to the rookie.
“Just picking up parts of the game from them,” Newton said. “Just being under their wing.”
When Newton does get on the field, he’s going to be playing behind Allen and Payne in the rotation. Newton doesn’t mind that, though; as long as he’s able to show what he can do, he’ll do whatever is asked of him.
“Y’all getting the best out of me,” Newton said. “I’m coming in the game trying to take over. I’m not coming just to be another player on the team. I’m coming to take over.”