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Johnny Manziel and 15 NFL players sure to disappoint in 2014

By Patrick Schmidt

Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rolls out against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rolls out against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joe Mays (53) during the first half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joe Mays (53) during the first half of the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Newton, 25, turned in his best season as a quarterback last year with a career-high completion percentage and quarterback rating as he led the Panthers to the NFC South title and the No. 2 seed in the conference. However, he is in for a rude awakening this year after offseason ankle surgery and losing his top three receivers in free agency.

Without Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn, Newton will have to develop chemistry with first round pick Kelvin Benjamin, and find a dependable target outside of Greg Olsen to have the same success as last year.

My biggest concern, however, is Newton’s recovery from ankle surgery and how it will change the type of rusher he will be this year. His 2,032 yards and 28 touchdowns are rushing numbers we’ve never seen from a quarterback in his first three years, but I think he’s in line for career-lows in attempts, yards and touchdowns as the Panthers try to protect their franchise quarterback.

I love Newton and his unlimited potential and transcendent skills at the position, but anything less than a Pro Bowl and a playoff berth will be a disappointment after what he did last year and I don’t see either happening.

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