Change with time is the only constant in the universe, and it is no different when it comes to the NFL. The old-school quarterbacks might not be a match for the modern-day dual-threat quarterbacks. Cam Newton acknowledges this change. 

On his podcast, 4th&1 With Cam Newton, the former MVP QB Cam Newton triggered a debate by comparing the legendary QBs to the Baltimore Ravens’ starter, Lamar Jackson, by declaring him the modern-day quarterback. 

“Jared Goff is a dinosaur. Respectfully, Aaron Rodgers is a dinosaur. Yeah. Matthew Stafford is a dinosaur,” Newton said. “How great that those players are that I named. Not a lot of quarterbacks that are coming into this league are just stationary one-dimensional quarterbacks.”

While highlighting Jackson’s gameplay, Newton mentions that he has changed the dynamics of present-day signal-calling.

“It’s Lamar. It’s his style of play,” he said. “His passing percentage is always high. His efficiency is high.”

Per Newton, Jackson’s dual-threat ability of rushing and passing has made him unstoppable on the gridiron.

On Pro Football Focus, Jackson has thrown for 22,608 yards and rushed for 1,247 yards, he has scored 21 TDs.

“It may not look like Payton, it may not look like Tom, it may not look like Drew Brees. Well, brother, times have changed,” Newton said. Those pocket passers are now “the new minorities” in the league.

The concept of dual-threat quarterbacks gives defenses a hard time protecting the line of scrimmage. Such QBs can run or throw on any play. Defenses must account for both every snap.

Whereas the pocket passers don’t create that same stress on defenses. They are well aware that they will always hand the ball off.

Even being a pocket passer, Goff has all the pieces for the 2026 season, per Dan Campbell. 

Dan Campbell says Lions have all required pieces around Jared Goff

After missing the 2025 NFL playoffs with a 9-8 record, head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic about the 2026 season, believing the Lions have the pieces to restore their contender status. 

“We’ve got the hard part down,” Campbell said. “We got the QB, two WRs, we got a TE, we got the back, a tackle, we got f****** Hutch, we got Jack, we got Branch. The future is bright.”

Campbell highlighted that the Lions' core is intact, even after veteran departures like David Montgomery and Al-Quadin Muhammad. 

GM Brad Holmes has successfully implemented the “draft, develop, re-sign” strategy. This has made sure that the core talent remains on the team, as well as given potential talent the chance to join.

That’s where names like Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, and Sam LaPorta enter the picture.

The Motor City team is working hard to win the D-Day in the 2026 NFL regular season.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker