Who Would Defeat in a Football Match: A Team of JJ Watts or a Team of Cam Newtons?

The debate over who would prevail in a football match between a team of JJ Watts and a team of Cam Newtons has long been a topic of interest for fans and experts alike. To set the context, let's establish a few key facts and analyze how each player's abilities would shape the outcome of such a hypothetical scenario.

Analysis of Player Capabilities

1. Can Throw?
While it's true that making a throw in practice may not fully replicate the game environment, JJ Watt's defensive line would have ample time to collapse into the pocket. Given the superior physical attributes of a team consisting solely of Cam Newtons, Watt would still have the time and space to execute his throws, negating any advantages Newton might have in terms of footwork and timing.

2. Can Catch?
Matthew Stafford, not Cam Newton, takes the field in the scenario. However, JJ Watt's catching ability is noteworthy. The first two episodes of the current season's Hard Knocks reveal just how skilled Watt is with his hands. In one practice, he stayed to catch over 100 passes over several nights and demonstrated an almost never-missed catch rate. This quick-handed ability is crucial given his three touchdowns in the red zone in 2014, where he had a 100% catch rate of three touchdowns. It's evident that Watt practices diligently and with a win in mind.

3. Measureables and Speed?
The metrics we commonly use to assess speed—such as the 40-yard dash—may not fully represent Watt's overall quickness, especially in game situations. However, the compare and contrast of their game quickness, measured through shuttle and cone drills, is revealing:

JJ Watt: 20-Yard Shuttle - 4.21 seconds Three Cone - 6.88 seconds Vertical - 37 inches Cam Newton: 20-Yard Shuttle - 4.18 seconds Three Cone - 6.92 seconds Vertical - 38 inches

While Cam Newton might have a slight edge in gaining separation down the field, the difference in speed and quickness is minimal, and not enough to significantly impact the game's outcome.

Strengthening Through Physical Attributes

4. Strength:
One of the most critical factors in a game of human confrontation, especially for non-skill positions, is strength. The combine data shows that JJ Watt holds a superior position. In one of the Hard Knocks episodes, Watt demonstrated his strength by flipping a 1000-pound tire. His record stands at 65, a figure that speaks to his unmatched physical prowess.

Football is a game where players need to win one-on-one battles. With a team made up of Cam Newtons, the odds are against them dominated by JJ Watts. Even the best offensive linemen struggle to contain him most of the time. At 6’2” and slighter in stature, Cam Newton would face immense challenges both physically and in terms of learning the necessary mechanics to compete effectively.

In Conclusion

No matter the downfield advantages that Cam Newton might possess, he would be continuously under pressure to deliver the ball. With his offensive line unable to open running lanes, he would be forced to rely on deep pass plays from a deep shotgun formation. This strategy has the potential to pay off occasionally, but the severe damage to his body from constant hits would ultimately turn him into a more vulnerable version of RG3, facing early retirement.

Overall, this hypothetical matchup is far from fair, and Watts would dominate the field with ease.

Reference:Historical NFL Scouting Combine Data.