Ron Rivera: 'Don't bet against' Cam Newton

Cam Newton has become the talk of the NFL after signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, with fans and analysts wondering if the former MVP can return to his old form after missing significant time due to injuries. While we won't know if Newton's struggles are behind him until he hits the field, Ron Rivera, who coached Newton in Carolina, believes that Newton will once again be one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.

"He's headed in the right direction," Rivera said on the McNeil & Parkins Show on 670 The Score. "I mean, he's probably about as healthy as it gets from what I've seen on video. I think he's ready to bust out. I would never bet against the young man, that's for sure."

Newton was once considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, winning the MVP and leading the Panthers to the Super Bowl in the 2015 season. However, in the four seasons since, Newton hasn't passed for 25 touchdowns and has only passed for 3,500 yards once. But his old coach says it's not wise to count out Newton.

"Don't bet against him," Rivera said. "I really wouldn't. First of all, you got to know who he is and understand what all he's gone through. He's a guy that's always tried to do things, I think, because he's felt the pressure. He felt the pressure of being the No. 1 overall pick. He felt the pressure of having won the Heisman Trophy and being the No. 1 overall pick. He felt the pressure of being a black quarterback, with all the stuff that's been heaped on him. He's really had to find his way through it, and he's done a great job with it."