​Cam Newton knows how quickly fans can turn to a familiar quarterback when a team struggles. The former MVP has not played in the NFL since 2021, but his name has returned to conversations in Atlanta after the Falcons’ rough start.The Falcons are 0-2 and have already made several changes at quarterback. They now face a short week before playing Green Bay. Reuters reported that Michael Penix Jr. will start Thursday after missing the first two games while recovering from an ACL injury.Those problems have led some fans to call for Newton’s return. Newton has now responded to those calls.Cam Newton Gives Falcons Fans a Clear AnswerNewton discussed the situation on his 4th & 1 podcast after fans asked him to return to Atlanta. He said he kept seeing messages telling him to take over as the Falcons quarterback. His answer was clear: “No. No, bro. Don’t throw me into that slop.”Newton said those fans had not shown the same interest when he was available. He also questioned why they wanted him now that Atlanta’s quarterback situation had become more difficult.The Falcons’ recent play helps explain the calls for Newton. Cooper Rush started the first two games because Atlanta did not have its preferred quarterback options healthy. In Sunday’s 34-3 loss to Carolina, Rush completed 10 of 17 passes for 86 yards. He also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Rookie Jack Strand replaced him and threw a pick-six on his first pass.Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; FormerCarolina Panthers Cam Newton in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesThat performance quickly brought Newton’s name back into the conversation. Last week, Newton said he believed he could manage the position better than Rush. He also compared the situation to Philip Rivers returning for Indianapolis in 2025. However, with Penix set to return, Newton now appears less interested in becoming Atlanta’s emergency option.Cam Newton Also Questions Kevin StefanskiNewton also questioned the challenge facing first-year Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski. During the podcast, he asked, “Really, what can Kevin Stefanski do?” The question reflects a quarterback situation that has changed almost every week.Kevin Stefanski’s Brutal HC Grade in NFLPA Player Survey Rocks Browns Legacy (Imagn Image)Atlanta began the season with Tua Tagovailoa as its starter while Penix recovered from last year’s ACL injury. Tagovailoa then suffered an oblique injury, which moved Rush into the starting role. Rush struggled, and Strand made his NFL debut during the loss to Carolina.Penix now gets the next chance to bring some stability. He has practiced for three weeks and will make his first NFL start since tearing his ACL in November 2025. That leaves Stefanski facing a very different problem from the one Atlanta expected in September.Newton’s name has returned as Atlanta searches for an answer at quarterback. Howeve