I think the constant pounding hurts him. He's not what he was. I don't think it's all about Smith and Lafell.
Like a lot of running QBs, he takes way too any hits.
I know his offensive line doesn't help, but the result is the same. He has been pounded this year.

You disagree.

That's fine.

I haven't seen as much of their defense this season. I usually flip to another game when they take the field unless I have fantasy football reasons to watch the other offense.
I'm a fantasy football junky and I own Benjamin and Newton since Newton's return from injury so that's the part of the team I care about.
My guess is that the struggles on defense could add more pressure to Newton too.