Cam Newton putting pride aside, doing what he can

“He’s close,” Nixon said. “Cam has been fantastic. His work ethic, the way he prepares for a game, it’s been awesome. He’s getting better and better each week. And I’m looking forward to him getting better and better on the field, and being a force for us on Sundays.

“I think we have enough in the game plan, that you feel comfortable that each quarterback can function in the game plan that particular week. We do that, certain things just up for Cam, and certain things we might have up just for P.J., depending on each particular week. But at this level, especially with the quarterbacks we have, we feel that especially in the passing game, they both know the offense and know how to read defenses and get us in the best play possible to go out and perform and help us win.”

Rhule said he saw tangible progress in the passing game last week — other than the turnovers — but Newton shrugged that suggestion off as well.

“Just doing my job, man,” he said. “Not looking for no pats on the back, just looking for a win. So whatever it’s going to take for a win, that’s what I’m willing to do.”

And if that means letting Walker take some snaps in two-minute situations because he’s more comfortable with it, so be it.

“I mean, it’s a process,” Newton said. “I don’t know what other way to say it, other than just maximizing the things I can control. I don’t get into what it looks like, because a lot of people who have the most to say aren’t in that locker room.

“It’s up to me to uphold my end of the bargain, and to protect the football, that’s number one. And just to execute to the best of my ability, and if that happens, I just allow coaches to do what coaches do. And that’s scheme up and put us in the best position to win.”

Because for Newton at this juncture in his season and his career, that’s what matters most.