Cam Newton (2 Viewers)

[Sabertooth]

I'm starting to wonder if Cam might just be able to reach that potential. You have to love the reports. He seems like a better dynasty prospect with every article.

Some guys just "get it" and the game is easy for them. He might be that type of guy.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I think what you say here is intriguing.

However, using this logic, I would think that Tarvaris Jackson would also qualify, no?

For one:

1) As a league veteran, he can probably be a better passer than Cam even if he still performs at a sub-par level

2) His weapons are better in the passing game (Rice, BMW, Tate, Miller, Carlson) vs (Smith, Olsen, ?)

3) While he may not run as much as Cam will, it may not be a stretch to think Jackson could accumulate 350+ yards on the ground.

4) By signing Jackson and thus publicly casterating Whitehurst, is there much of a threat to TJ's job?

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think what you say here is intriguing.However, using this logic, I would think that Tarvaris Jackson would also qualify, no?For one:1) As a league veteran, he can probably be a better passer than Cam even if he still performs at a sub-par level2) His weapons are better in the passing game (Rice, BMW, Tate, Miller, Carlson) vs (Smith, Olsen, ?)3) While he may not run as much as Cam will, it may not be a stretch to think Jackson could accumulate 350+ yards on the ground.4) By signing Jackson and thus publicly casterating Whitehurst, is there much of a threat to TJ's job?

I don't think Jackson is as big of a threat on the ground -- and especially w/r/t TDs -- but I do think Jackson is undervalued. Five games against the NFC West is nice, although it stinks losing the week 17 game against ARI. Still, I don't think Jackson will be all that bad in Seattle as a fantasy option.

 

[David Yudkin]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think what you say here is intriguing.However, using this logic, I would think that Tarvaris Jackson would also qualify, no?For one:1) As a league veteran, he can probably be a better passer than Cam even if he still performs at a sub-par level2) His weapons are better in the passing game (Rice, BMW, Tate, Miller, Carlson) vs (Smith, Olsen, ?)3) While he may not run as much as Cam will, it may not be a stretch to think Jackson could accumulate 350+ yards on the ground.4) By signing Jackson and thus publicly casterating Whitehurst, is there much of a threat to TJ's job?

Not that I disagree but you have to include DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, along with Jeremy Shockey as Cam's receiving weapons.

 

[Sabertooth]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

A fair point. But playing catch-up against the Falcons, Bucs, and Saints isn't exactly the AFC North either.

 

[FDC]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

Panthers were 7th best in yards per play last year behind BAL, CHI, MIA, NYJ, SD, PIT. They just couldn't get off the field thanks to historically terrible QB play. Although down the stretch their pass defense was really bad and doesn't seem to have improved.

 

[David Yudkin]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

A fair point. But playing catch-up against the Falcons, Bucs, and Saints isn't exactly the AFC North either.

Look, I understand that people are chomping at the bit for football. But preseason training camp football is NOT real football. How many times have we heard that PLAYER X is in the best shape of his life or that PLAYER Y is playing out of his mind in practice, only for those guys to do little or nothing once the games actually counted.Put another way, if Drew Brees or Tom Brady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in training camp, would anyone be all that concerned that they would tank during the regular season? Probably not. Daunte Culpepper had a preseason where he completed almost 90% of his passes and people thought he was going to put up Dan Marino numbers on his preseason numbers alone. He went on to throw 8 picks with 0 TD to start the season.I am not saying that Newton will bomb or that he will be the next great QB. Time will tell. But how a guy does in a friendly environment that amounts to a two hand touch, no pass rush environment with your teammates is not the same as a regular season game with blitzes and the enemy trying to disembowel you.And if the Panthers are playing catchup against the Falcons, Bucs, and Saints, there will be even more pressure to throw the ball and force it into traffic. If Newton's best asset is his legs and not his passing prowess, I would be even more concerned that his passing numbers could see twice as many INT than TD in his rookie year.Overall, downstream I think Newton will be ok, but I would not think his rookie campaign will be one to stick in the trophy room or write home about. But that's why they play the games . . .

 

[FDC]

Overall, downstream I think Newton will be ok, but I would not think his rookie campaign will be one to stick in the trophy room or write home about.

I agree with this but at the same time don't you agree there is also a glimmer of monstrous upside? Isn't the consensus that Cam > Tebow but both are very similar in style? Well we are 8 months removed from Tebow being (stat wise) the overall #1 QB his 1st 3 starts ever. The historical smart bet is "yes its a rookie QB so avoid" but I think the upside is too glaring to be completely irrelevant, especially considering Cam is the favorite to win the job week 1.

 

[Sabertooth]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

A fair point. But playing catch-up against the Falcons, Bucs, and Saints isn't exactly the AFC North either.

Look, I understand that people are chomping at the bit for football. But preseason training camp football is NOT real football. How many times have we heard that PLAYER X is in the best shape of his life or that PLAYER Y is playing out of his mind in practice, only for those guys to do little or nothing once the games actually counted.Put another way, if Drew Brees or Tom Brady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn in training camp, would anyone be all that concerned that they would tank during the regular season? Probably not. Daunte Culpepper had a preseason where he completed almost 90% of his passes and people thought he was going to put up Dan Marino numbers on his preseason numbers alone. He went on to throw 8 picks with 0 TD to start the season.I am not saying that Newton will bomb or that he will be the next great QB. Time will tell. But how a guy does in a friendly environment that amounts to a two hand touch, no pass rush environment with your teammates is not the same as a regular season game with blitzes and the enemy trying to disembowel you.And if the Panthers are playing catchup against the Falcons, Bucs, and Saints, there will be even more pressure to throw the ball and force it into traffic. If Newton's best asset is his legs and not his passing prowess, I would be even more concerned that his passing numbers could see twice as many INT than TD in his rookie year.Overall, downstream I think Newton will be ok, but I would not think his rookie campaign will be one to stick in the trophy room or write home about. But that's why they play the games . . .

Whatever. Why don't you just list a bunch of stats like you do in every other thread.

 

[David Yudkin]

Whatever. Why don't you just list a bunch of stats like you do in every other thread.

What stats would you like me to post? I've already posted a slew of them in this thread. I gave my opinion, which is nothing more than that. Newton could go on to have a season for the ages for all I know. If people like him for fantasy purposes, then draft him. If people don't, then don't. I wouldn't say I wouldn't draft him in a redraft as it would depend on how my team looked at the point I had to consider him. Sure, he has some nice upside and probably not a lot of risk, so he'd probably be worth a flyer. If it didn't work out then you could move on to another need someplace else. I just happen to think that this year he will be more fair to middling with better numbers in future seasons.

 

[TheFanatic]

Why is everyone focusing on this guy over 16 games? If you are dropping Cam into the starting spot week 1, you're season is already over unless he happens to be the second coming at QB. Unless he's the winning powerball ticket in terms of his ability, the season is over for you.

That being said, he could very well be startable in the latter part of the season. When talking about where he will finish after 16 doesn't mean he's only a spot start. He will be going through a learning curve and by week 10, he might have progressed enough to make an owner's decision difficult as to whom to drop in there. By week 12, he might make that decision even harder. By the playoffs, he might be running all over the place and chucking up a lot of yards.

I own the guy in one league and have abysmal QB's, but I doubt I start him for at least half the season. It doesn't mean he can't put up great numbers toward the end of it and earn a few starts... I would look at this guy more in terms of, what do you expect from the guy from weeks 9-16. The only way he starts before that is if you are completely desperate. He might tempt an owner with a great game week 4, but I wouldn't drop him in week 5, because will likely be very up and down for most of the season...

 

[solorca]

If only he got to face the Panthers defense during the regular season.

The defense wasn't the problem last year.

 

[solorca]

That being said, he could very well be startable in the latter part of the season. When talking about where he will finish after 16 doesn't mean he's only a spot start. He will be going through a learning curve and by week 10, he might have progressed enough to make an owner's decision difficult as to whom to drop in there.

I think this is a good point. I've had pretty good luck in the past by using rookie QB's as fill-in's or regular starter late in the year.

 

[PhantomJB]

MMmmmmm....love me some Blaine Gabbert

Gabbert throws ropes. There were three consecutive passes he threw for touchdowns in a red zone drill Thursday that buzzed by the heads of the defensive backs, barley getting above helmet level. He made two seam throws that Garrard doesn't make -- or won't make.

Sure, there were times where Gabbert has run out of the pocket too quickly during the first week of camp, but that will lesson as he understands the offense more. The coaches raved about the way he played in his first practice, even without an offseason to grasp the offense

Or Andy Dalton...

Dalton, a second-round pick from TCU, is getting the first shot at the starting job. He worked with the starting unit and got the most snaps of the four quarterbacks during the scrimmage part of practice.

Dalton has run most of the plays throughout camp, learning a little more of the offense each day.

"Andy had another great day," Gruden said. "He was efficient on third-down (plays), had some key completions, got the ball out of his hand when he had to. He's doing a good job of managing the game so far."

Naw...let's go with Jake Locker

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Jake Locker and the Titans' offense paid their first visit to the red zone at practice Wednesday, and Locker threw the ball with great accuracy into tight spots during seven-on-seven work.

Collin Kapernick?

Colin Kaepernick is getting a ton of reps, with no signs yet that he’s tiring, and the ball just flies out of his hand.He’s got the deep post route down, and he can throw it with gusto even when the defense moves him around in the pocket (though they’re not allowed to touch the QB or even get near his throwing motion).

Maybe stick to the vets...who better to be a QB2 with upside?

3. The Matt Cassel-Jim Zorn relationship is off to a very good start. The Chiefs' new quarterbacks coach is two years removed from his failed head coaching stint in Washington, where he was unfairly maligned, and he moved on again after last year, when he and Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron apparently didn't co-exist well in Baltimore.

But Cassel, the Chiefs' third-year starting quarterback, has welcomed Zorn with an open mind, and Haley raves about the fit between the two,

JAson Taylor?The addition of Al Saunders, however, will help the unit reach new heights due to extensive knowledge of the vertical passing game. He spent his formative years in the NFL working under Don Coryell, and he will certainly incorporate some of those principles into the Raiders' playbook. Saunders also is familiar with Jason Campbell after serving his offensive coordinator at Washington. Given their pre-existing relationship, the chemistry between play-caller and quarterback should help the offense get off to a fast start.

Flacco could finally be the real deal...

I was impressed with how mature Flacco looked Thursday in Owings Mills, how comfortable he seemed as the leader of the Ravens offense. Despite the occasional criticism from the outside, his outlook for 2011 is positive. For starters, head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron are allowing Flacco to have a louder voice in putting together the Ravens' gameplan. Flacco sees it as a natural progression. He also doesn't shy away from the challenge of raising his level of play.

I will stop now.

 

[TheFanatic]

Phantom, what does that have to do with Cam?

 

[David Yudkin]

Phantom, what does that have to do with Cam?

That everyone looks like a future HOFer or All Pro this time of year.

 

[solorca]

Phantom, what does that have to do with Cam?

That everyone looks like a future HOFer or All Pro this time of year.

Jimmy Clausen certainly didn't last year. It's nice to at least hear positive things about the shiny new QB at this point in the year...us Panther's fans missed out on that. For the record, the reviews of Clausen are just as bad this year.

 

[Dave Larkin]

I'm definitely on board with this logic, Chase. I am a firm believer in Newton's ability to be a high upside QB this season. There will be the inevitable growing pains, but sometimes defenses can't prepare for a player running the football. In most defensive schemes, the quarterback isn't accounted for.

It is also worth noting that offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski has put some read option concepts into the Panthers offense to make Newton comfortable. If they utilise plays like that, Newton will excel.

 

[TheFanatic]

Phantom, what does that have to do with Cam?

That everyone looks like a future HOFer or All Pro this time of year.

So we should not be reading anything coming out of camp? We should skip all of this stuff. We shouldn't read anything coming out of camp? Or should we read that yeah, Colin K, might look good in camp, but Alex Smith is the starter (and will fail miserably), so despite looking good in camp, he's still playing against the second team, will continue to do so until they bench Smith but will be behind in his learning and not do much this year at all. Locker is looking good? Great. The only way he plays is if Hass gets hurt. Flacco looks good? I can believe that. The guy knows what it's like to have more than a good TE and a geriatric WR to throw to. Just because there's a lot of flowery language bandied about concerning players in TC, doesn't mean some of it is true and some of it doesn't matter like how well Locker is throwing.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Phantom, what does that have to do with Cam?

That everyone looks like a future HOFer or All Pro this time of year.

Jimmy Clausen certainly didn't last year. It's nice to at least hear positive things about the shiny new QB at this point in the year...us Panther's fans missed out on that. For the record, the reviews of Clausen are just as bad this year.

If people want to hate on Cam Newton just because they wish to discount early preseason reports that he is picking up the pro game quickly, that's fine with me. Again, I'm not ready to move him up my QB boards yet as I prefer to review his performance in game conditions (yes, I know they are preseason games but David Yudkin is right about the difference between game conditions and inter-team scrimmages - at least the opposing defense will be going full speed and trying to impress their own coaches in the preseason contests). In fact, given the dearth of OTAs and mini-camps this year, I expect the preseason games to be more revealing about the coming regular season than during a normal, non-lockout season. Basically everybody is rusty and behind-the-learning-curve this year, so I expect teams to play their starters longer in this preseason and to be working on installing their actual packages, rather than the vanilla crud we usually see in preseason. There just aren't enough reps available this year to totally ignore the preseason games as important coaching opportunities, in my opinion.

Anyways, I'm reserving judgement on Cam Newton and am open to adjusting my expectations depending on what we see as preseason goes along. As Steve Smith pointed out, he didn't win the Heisman for stinking up the joint in college - he may have the "it" factor that allows some guys to play well in the NFL earlier than a run-of-the-mill journeyman draft selection from the mid rounds. Time will tell...

 

[Chase Stuart]

Anyways, I'm reserving judgement on Cam Newton and am open to adjusting my expectations depending on what we see as preseason goes along. As Steve Smith pointed out, he didn't win the Heisman for stinking up the joint in college - he may have the "it" factor that allows some guys to play well in the NFL earlier than a run-of-the-mill journeyman draft selection from the mid rounds. Time will tell...

I am not one to believe in any such 'it' factor. That said, it's hard not to acknowledge the possibility when the guy goes to different teams in consecutive years and unexpectedly and wins the national championship both times for his teams while being absurdly dominant. Not exactly easy.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Anyways, I'm reserving judgement on Cam Newton and am open to adjusting my expectations depending on what we see as preseason goes along. As Steve Smith pointed out, he didn't win the Heisman for stinking up the joint in college - he may have the "it" factor that allows some guys to play well in the NFL earlier than a run-of-the-mill journeyman draft selection from the mid rounds. Time will tell...

I am not one to believe in any such 'it' factor. That said, it's hard not to acknowledge the possibility when the guy goes to different teams in consecutive years and unexpectedly and wins the national championship both times for his teams while being absurdly dominant. Not exactly easy.

There is no doubt that Newton has had enormous (and unexpected) successes so far in his career. I do believe in an intangible "it" factor. Things like leadership, optimism, the ability to inspire team mates - these are things that some guys have naturally, some people learn to project, and some never have "it" Broadway Joe Namath had "it" and led the Jets over the uber-heavily-favored Colts in 1968 at age 25Peyton Manning has "it" and has become one of the best NFL QBs ever Joey Harrington never had "it"

 

[Stealthycat]

8-19 completions 134 yards 0 TD 0 INT

no rushes

42% completion rate

QB Anderson 3-4 for 71 yards and a TD no INT

QB Claussen 4-7 for 69 yards and a TD 1 INT

the Cam Newton Erra begins baby YEAH!!! (insert sarcasm) Cam played better than I expected to be honest, I didn't even expect 40% completion rate and surprised he didn't run more.

 

[BassNBrew]

The Panthers may have the QB they were looking for, but I'm downgrading Cam for this year. He didn't even look to run once and was very poised in the pocket. I just don't see enough rushing stats for him to be anything other than a low QB2 fantasy wise this year.

 

[BassNBrew]

8-19 completions 134 yards 0 TD 0 INTno rushes42% completion rateQB Anderson 3-4 for 71 yards and a TD no INTQB Claussen 4-7 for 69 yards and a TD 1 INTthe Cam Newton Erra begins baby YEAH!!! (insert sarcasm) Cam played better than I expected to be honest, I didn't even expect 40% completion rate and surprised he didn't run more.

Cam did get stung with some dropped balls. I believe one pass in the end zone actually hit the WR in th fask mask.

 

[pantherclub]

Not from a fantasy perspective but an overall one I am semi-sold on Newton and I was a huge hater to start with. the dude has the moxie and talent to be successful. His strength and accuracy on balls in the 30 yd range is impressive. He needs to work on touch passes short range but I think he can do it. He had a couple of chances to run last night instead he kept looking at his wr's and threw the ball, I think this is a plus that he doesnt just take off at the first sign of trouble. Also what Bass said there were a couple of bad drops and a couple of borderline interference where the ball was perfectly placed. I think he will do fine in the long run.

I still think Claussen will be out of the league in 2 years. He is too small, weak arm with no velocity and just doesnt command respect.

I think 8 wins is a possibility for this team. The defense looks solid again.

 

[Sabertooth]

The reason I keep circling back to Newton is that physically he's as gifted a QB as the NFL has seen since Vick. Plus he's bigger than Vick so you'd have to think he can absorb punishment. His upside is about as high as any QB I've ever seen.

 

[mr roboto]

Cam looked decent. But I'm SO sick of the hype for some of these guys. If you just read the blurbs it sounds like Clausen was handing the ball to the defense. Also Clausen started, so he was facing a better D.

Cam hit a couple WIDE OPEN passes. On a roll out he had a 7-yard pass to Olsen who was right in front of him, and while he completed the pass, it was not in stride - and it was an easy pass.

I talked to a HS football coach who actually watched the game. He said Clausen didn't look bad. But of course the narrative is already written, that Clausen is horrible, so that's what gets parroted.

 

[NCCommish]

8-19 completions 134 yards 0 TD 0 INTno rushes42% completion rateQB Anderson 3-4 for 71 yards and a TD no INTQB Claussen 4-7 for 69 yards and a TD 1 INTthe Cam Newton Erra begins baby YEAH!!! (insert sarcasm) Cam played better than I expected to be honest, I didn't even expect 40% completion rate and surprised he didn't run more.

The lack of runs was by design. They are in the playbook but they weren't called last night. Likely to shield Cam from injury in a preseason game.

 

[NCCommish]

Cam looked decent. But I'm SO sick of the hype for some of these guys. If you just read the blurbs it sounds like Clausen was handing the ball to the defense. Also Clausen started, so he was facing a better D.Cam hit a couple WIDE OPEN passes. On a roll out he had a 7-yard pass to Olsen who was right in front of him, and while he completed the pass, it was not in stride - and it was an easy pass.I talked to a HS football coach who actually watched the game. He said Clausen didn't look bad. But of course the narrative is already written, that Clausen is horrible, so that's what gets parroted.

That was a poor throw on the pick 6. Clausen has already admitted as much. Now after that he bounced back and didn't panic. But even the TD throw was behind Olsen. He reached back to make a good catch on a marginal throw. Jimmy still takes too long to get rid of the ball. At least one of those sacks is on him. He still has a lot of work to do.

 

[mr roboto]

Cam looked decent. But I'm SO sick of the hype for some of these guys. If you just read the blurbs it sounds like Clausen was handing the ball to the defense. Also Clausen started, so he was facing a better D.Cam hit a couple WIDE OPEN passes. On a roll out he had a 7-yard pass to Olsen who was right in front of him, and while he completed the pass, it was not in stride - and it was an easy pass.I talked to a HS football coach who actually watched the game. He said Clausen didn't look bad. But of course the narrative is already written, that Clausen is horrible, so that's what gets parroted.

That was a poor throw on the pick 6. Clausen has already admitted as much. Now after that he bounced back and didn't panic. But even the TD throw was behind Olsen. He reached back to make a good catch on a marginal throw. Jimmy still takes too long to get rid of the ball. At least one of those sacks is on him. He still has a lot of work to do.

Oh I agree. He's not great. But I'm not convinced DWill was supposed to round that route out. Looked like miscommunication.I just don't think Cam played better that Jimmy. But he was in the game longer, against a worse D, and the story HAS to be that Cam is the savior. ESPN already said so.

 

[NCCommish]

Cam looked decent. But I'm SO sick of the hype for some of these guys. If you just read the blurbs it sounds like Clausen was handing the ball to the defense. Also Clausen started, so he was facing a better D.Cam hit a couple WIDE OPEN passes. On a roll out he had a 7-yard pass to Olsen who was right in front of him, and while he completed the pass, it was not in stride - and it was an easy pass.I talked to a HS football coach who actually watched the game. He said Clausen didn't look bad. But of course the narrative is already written, that Clausen is horrible, so that's what gets parroted.

That was a poor throw on the pick 6. Clausen has already admitted as much. Now after that he bounced back and didn't panic. But even the TD throw was behind Olsen. He reached back to make a good catch on a marginal throw. Jimmy still takes too long to get rid of the ball. At least one of those sacks is on him. He still has a lot of work to do.

Oh I agree. He's not great. But I'm not convinced DWill was supposed to round that route out. Looked like miscommunication.I just don't think Cam played better that Jimmy. But he was in the game longer, against a worse D, and the story HAS to be that Cam is the savior. ESPN already said so.

That was the right route and Williams could have gotten his head around earlier. But it did evoke some bad memories. On Jimmy being written off not really seeing that locally. Most people are giving Jimmy credit for hanging in and overcoming the pick/boos. But your first number 1 pick is going to get attention and the rookie is going to get leeway Jimmy isn't.

 

[TheFanatic]

8-19 completions 134 yards 0 TD 0 INT

no rushes

42% completion rate

QB Anderson 3-4 for 71 yards and a TD no INT

QB Claussen 4-7 for 69 yards and a TD 1 INT

the Cam Newton Erra begins baby YEAH!!! (insert sarcasm) Cam played better than I expected to be honest, I didn't even expect 40% completion rate and surprised he didn't run more.

The lack of runs was by design. They are in the playbook but they weren't called last night. Likely to shield Cam from injury in a preseason game.

Did they say that publicly? I thought they didn't call any runs to help develop his pocket presense. He needs to be a pass first with the ability to run second to be truly great. If he is a run first guy you have a young Michael vick type guy. He can win games, and very fun to watch, but never win a championship. I like what I saw yesterday. Sure, he has a TON to improve on and still don't see the guy doing anything until after midseason, but I like his first step...

 

[PhantomJB]

Why is everyone focusing on this guy over 16 games? If you are dropping Cam into the starting spot week 1, you're season is already over unless he happens to be the second coming at QB. Unless he's the winning powerball ticket in terms of his ability, the season is over for you. That being said, he could very well be startable in the latter part of the season. When talking about where he will finish after 16 doesn't mean he's only a spot start. He will be going through a learning curve and by week 10, he might have progressed enough to make an owner's decision difficult as to whom to drop in there. By week 12, he might make that decision even harder. By the playoffs, he might be running all over the place and chucking up a lot of yards. I own the guy in one league and have abysmal QB's, but I doubt I start him for at least half the season. It doesn't mean he can't put up great numbers toward the end of it and earn a few starts... I would look at this guy more in terms of, what do you expect from the guy from weeks 9-16. The only way he starts before that is if you are completely desperate. He might tempt an owner with a great game week 4, but I wouldn't drop him in week 5, because will likely be very up and down for most of the season...

This earlier post sums it up very well IMO.

 

[Stealthycat]

I didn't watch the game, just looking at stat line.

You'd think Cam being a " high side QB2 " he'd have done a bit better .......... I'll not forget this thread, lets see how the season goes and BTW I'm an Arkansas homer, anyone want to compare the stat line to Ryan Mallett

 

[Faust]

I didn't watch the game, just looking at stat line.

You'd think Cam being a " high side QB2 " he'd have done a bit better .......... I'll not forget this thread, lets see how the season goes and BTW I'm an Arkansas homer, anyone want to compare the stat line to Ryan Mallett

From Peter Kings MMQB today:

Best performance by quarterbacks, rookie division (tie): Ryan Mallett, Cam Newton. It wasn't the numbers so much as the confidence each showed. Newton (8-of-19, 134 yards, no touchdowns or picks) was supposed to struggle in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's tough playbook, but he looked confident and threw the ball like he'd been there before in the Panthers' win over the Giants. Mallett (12-of-19, 164, one touchdown, no interceptions for New England) was better than that -- though you've got to be careful because he played against the Jacksonville bench. But on the five or six throws I saw, confidence and preparedness oozed, as well as his terrific arm.

 

[TheFanatic]

I didn't watch the game, just looking at stat line.You'd think Cam being a " high side QB2 " he'd have done a bit better .......... I'll not forget this thread, lets see how the season goes and BTW I'm an Arkansas homer, anyone want to compare the stat line to Ryan Mallett

In order to be a high side QB2, he has to get some points with his legs. They didn't call any run plays which was seemingly by design either to keep him healthy or help work on his pocket passing skills or both. Extrapolate his numbers over the course of an entire game and add in 50 rushing yards and he has a nice outing...

 

[Faust]

Terrell Pryor compared to Cam Newton

(the free teaser part of the ESPN insider article):

For Pryor, improvement is a problem

One of the core facets of personnel evaluation is risk versus reward. Rare are the collegiate talents who bring little or no risk to the table, so the key in picking players is to figure out which factors make it worth overlooking a prospect's weaknesses.

Two factors that seem to weigh strongly in favor of a candidate are (1) how well he plays in big games and (2) whether he shows progress in big-game performance over his career.

A good example of how these factors can positively impact a player's draft status occurred in the case of Cam Newton.

He started his college career as a backup quarterback at Florida and then ended up transferring to Blinn Community College. After leading Blinn to a national title, he moved on to Auburn.

Newton got off to a fast start last season, posting a 172.61 composite passer rating in September and October -- an elite total, but one that had to be taken with a grain of salt, given that three of the Tigers' games in that time frame were against Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Kentucky.

However, in November, December and January -- when it mattered most -- Newton's passer rating was 195.0. This included contests at archrival Alabama, versus South Carolina in the SEC championship and versus Oregon in the BCS title tilt.

Consistent career progress and stepping his play up against some of the best teams the world of college football had to offer were prime reasons the Carolina Panthers were willing to overlook his significant mechanics issues and make Newton the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

If Newton is the positive side of this personnel evaluation coin, former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the negative side. He is very similar to Newton in physical stature (Newton is 6-foot-5, 248 pounds; Pryor is 6-6, 233), and he shares some of the same mechanics issues. The big difference, though, is that Pryor fell well short of Newton in the areas of big-game performance and career progress.

 

[pantherclub]

Terrell Pryor compared to Cam Newton

(the free teaser part of the ESPN insider article):

For Pryor, improvement is a problem

One of the core facets of personnel evaluation is risk versus reward. Rare are the collegiate talents who bring little or no risk to the table, so the key in picking players is to figure out which factors make it worth overlooking a prospect's weaknesses.

Two factors that seem to weigh strongly in favor of a candidate are (1) how well he plays in big games and (2) whether he shows progress in big-game performance over his career.

A good example of how these factors can positively impact a player's draft status occurred in the case of Cam Newton.

He started his college career as a backup quarterback at Florida and then ended up transferring to Blinn Community College. After leading Blinn to a national title, he moved on to Auburn.

Newton got off to a fast start last season, posting a 172.61 composite passer rating in September and October -- an elite total, but one that had to be taken with a grain of salt, given that three of the Tigers' games in that time frame were against Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Kentucky.

However, in November, December and January -- when it mattered most -- Newton's passer rating was 195.0. This included contests at archrival Alabama, versus South Carolina in the SEC championship and versus Oregon in the BCS title tilt.

Consistent career progress and stepping his play up against some of the best teams the world of college football had to offer were prime reasons the Carolina Panthers were willing to overlook his significant mechanics issues and make Newton the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

If Newton is the positive side of this personnel evaluation coin, former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the negative side. He is very similar to Newton in physical stature (Newton is 6-foot-5, 248 pounds; Pryor is 6-6, 233), and he shares some of the same mechanics issues. The big difference, though, is that Pryor fell well short of Newton in the areas of big-game performance and career progress.

I laughed out loud

 

[Chase Stuart]

Terrell Pryor compared to Cam Newton

(the free teaser part of the ESPN insider article):

For Pryor, improvement is a problem

One of the core facets of personnel evaluation is risk versus reward. Rare are the collegiate talents who bring little or no risk to the table, so the key in picking players is to figure out which factors make it worth overlooking a prospect's weaknesses.

Two factors that seem to weigh strongly in favor of a candidate are (1) how well he plays in big games and (2) whether he shows progress in big-game performance over his career.

A good example of how these factors can positively impact a player's draft status occurred in the case of Cam Newton.

He started his college career as a backup quarterback at Florida and then ended up transferring to Blinn Community College. After leading Blinn to a national title, he moved on to Auburn.

Newton got off to a fast start last season, posting a 172.61 composite passer rating in September and October -- an elite total, but one that had to be taken with a grain of salt, given that three of the Tigers' games in that time frame were against Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Kentucky.

However, in November, December and January -- when it mattered most -- Newton's passer rating was 195.0. This included contests at archrival Alabama, versus South Carolina in the SEC championship and versus Oregon in the BCS title tilt.

Consistent career progress and stepping his play up against some of the best teams the world of college football had to offer were prime reasons the Carolina Panthers were willing to overlook his significant mechanics issues and make Newton the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

If Newton is the positive side of this personnel evaluation coin, former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the negative side. He is very similar to Newton in physical stature (Newton is 6-foot-5, 248 pounds; Pryor is 6-6, 233), and he shares some of the same mechanics issues. The big difference, though, is that Pryor fell well short of Newton in the areas of big-game performance and career progress.

Seriously? Pryor's best performance of his career -- as of then -- was the victory in the Rose Bowl over Oregon after the '09 season. Then, last year, the best game of his entire career was arguably the victory over Arkansas, helping Ohio State snap its 9-game losing streak against the SEC speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!!!111

 

[Manster]

I want to see more. He's played one pre-season game.

the kid is talented, but I wanna see him respond when the crap hits the fan.

 

[Sabertooth]

I want to see more. He's played one pre-season game.the kid is talented, but I wanna see him respond when the crap hits the fan.

Me too, unfortunately I don't hold my rookie draft in week 3. He might be a good spot filler late in the season vs. Detroit, Indy, and Houston.

 

[Tau837]

Why is everyone focusing on this guy over 16 games? If you are dropping Cam into the starting spot week 1, you're season is already over unless he happens to be the second coming at QB. Unless he's the winning powerball ticket in terms of his ability, the season is over for you. That being said, he could very well be startable in the latter part of the season. When talking about where he will finish after 16 doesn't mean he's only a spot start. He will be going through a learning curve and by week 10, he might have progressed enough to make an owner's decision difficult as to whom to drop in there. By week 12, he might make that decision even harder. By the playoffs, he might be running all over the place and chucking up a lot of yards. I own the guy in one league and have abysmal QB's, but I doubt I start him for at least half the season. It doesn't mean he can't put up great numbers toward the end of it and earn a few starts... I would look at this guy more in terms of, what do you expect from the guy from weeks 9-16. The only way he starts before that is if you are completely desperate. He might tempt an owner with a great game week 4, but I wouldn't drop him in week 5, because will likely be very up and down for most of the season...

Perhaps he has a bit more value in leagues with deep rosters.

 

[Faust]

Clausen still working with first team

Ron Rivera wasn’t specifically asked who will start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in this week’s preseason game at Miami. But that’s largely because he implied several times it would be Jimmy Clausen.

The second-year pro continued to work with the first-team offense in Monday night’s practice and rookie Cam Newton worked with the second team. Rivera also said "it’s all the same." So it looks like Clausen will start against the Dolphins and be followed by Newton.

Rivera also said he plans to make a decision on who will be the regular-season starter before the Aug. 25 preseason game with Cincinnati.

 

[solorca]

Clausen still working with first team

Ron Rivera wasn’t specifically asked who will start at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in this week’s preseason game at Miami. But that’s largely because he implied several times it would be Jimmy Clausen.

The second-year pro continued to work with the first-team offense in Monday night’s practice and rookie Cam Newton worked with the second team. Rivera also said "it’s all the same." So it looks like Clausen will start against the Dolphins and be followed by Newton.

Rivera also said he plans to make a decision on who will be the regular-season starter before the Aug. 25 preseason game with Cincinnati.

For the record, Cam spent significant time with the ones during practice yesterday as well.

 

[LHUCKS]

I'm hoping the newton hype train pushes late round guys like McCoy and grossman down

 

[pantherclub]

I'm hoping the newton hype train pushes late round guys like McCoy and grossman down

how many leagues are you in?

 

[Mark Wimer]

I'm surprised by the general lack of excitement over Cam Newton's fantasy prospects. For awhile there, running QBs were the rage in fantasy. McNair to McNabb to Stewart to Vick and Culpepper to Young. Then, since '06, no QB had rushed for 500 yards until Vick did it again last season. I think if Newton had been drafted 5 years ago, we might have a very different outlook on his fantasy stock then we do today. But the fact remains, running quarterbacks are really valuable in fantasy leagues. And there's no quarterback that likes to run like an inexperienced one.

Vince Young had 552/7 in essentially 14 games as a rookie. All three of them sat most if not all of their rookie years, but in their first years starting, McNabb, Vick and Culpepper put up 629/6, 777/8 and 470/7. Even last season, we saw how young QBs like to run: Stephen McGee ran for 55 yards in his only start while Tim Tebow ran 31 times for 199 yards and 3 scores in his three starts.

How does Cam Newton compare? No quarterback in college football ran for more yards in any season from 2000 to 2009 than Newton did last year. With the exception of the triple option attacks at George Tech and Navy, no quarterback ran as many times as Newton has since '00. And with the exception of the Triple Option Attacks and Tim Tebow, no QB ran for as many touchdowns as Newton.

Newton was a much better college runner than Tebow. He was dare I say a better runner than Vince Young, too. And while he wasn't as fast as Vick, his rushing production dwarfs what Vick did. If Newton plays a full season -- perhaps a big "if" considering his running style -- I think he's going to come in at around 600/6.

He's actually coming to a fairly loaded offense. Williams and Stewart are two of the better backs in the league. Olsen and Shockey are above average tight ends. Steve Smith is still a respectable WR1: as recently as '08 he led the league in receiving yards per game, before Carolina's quarterback production sank into the abyss. All that means I don't think defenses key on him as a runner all that much, and I see his running style (and vice versa) opening up lanes for Williams and Stewart.

Vince Young, as a rookie in TEN, had zero weapons around him and what Charles-Barkley-turrrrible as a passer. Young ranked 29th out of 32 QBs in yards per pass attempt. The Titans, with a running QB who wasn't good at passing and no WRs, ranked 28th in pass attempts, and 30th in passing yards.

Vince Young was the 13th ranked fantasy QB that season, thanks to his 552/7 (and remember, this was in just 14 games of real play).

Give Newton 600/6 -- which I think might be underselling him by a bit -- with much better weapons, and this guy is a legit fantasy sleeper. The key is obviously your scoring system, but if you give only 4 points for passing TDs, and especially if you give 1 point for 25 (and not 20) yards passing, Newton could be a steal.

I see no reason why Newton can't outproduce what Vince Young did, playing with Travis Henry, Drew Bennett, Brandon Jones, Bo Scaife and Ben Troupe.

OK Chase you convinced me to roll the dice on Newton late as my #3 QB in a 34-round IDP draft - I'll get back to you in Vegas on how that works out for me...

 

[Captain Hook]

I'm surprised by the general lack of excitement over Cam Newton's fantasy prospects.

He can run but he can't hideHe may be able to run for your numbers Chase but if there are not passing TD/Yds to go along with them he won't be playable in MOST fantasy leagues - obviously two QB leagues may be different, especially for a bye week play, and definitely in bestball leagues if you have enough roster spots.Otherwise I just don't see it - for now