The Cam Newton Effect (1 Viewer)

[EBF]

Here is where Cam Newton was drafted in two of my PPR dynasty rookie drafts last year:

League A - 18th

League B - 16th

Here is where Robert Griffin III was drafted in the same leagues a year later:

League A - 4th

League B - 6th

In addition to showing how comically underrated Cam Newton was last year, this also shows how strong the hype for RG3 is.

Two leagues is not a very big sample size, but from the early returns it looks like RG3 will be drafted 10-12 spots ahead of where Cam went a year ago. Kind of funny when you consider that they are practically identical players on paper. Heisman winners. Dominant statistics. Prodigious physical gifts. Top 2 NFL draft picks. Despite their similarities, few owners saw fit to spend a first rounder on Cam last year, whereas RG will go in the first half of the first round in most leagues this year. Why the difference?

Obviously Cam's rookie year has inflated the expectations for RG3. Everyone expects stardom. Also, the (flukishly?) high FF stats posted by QBs like Rodgers, Newton, Brees, Stafford, and Brady last season has made QB the trendy new prestige position in dynasty leagues. Makes me wonder if Luck and Griffin are being slightly overdrafted. Did the market correct itself? Or did it over-correct itself?

 

[cstu]

The top QB usually goes in the 1st between 6 and 12 and Luck and RG3 went picks 4-6 in my leagues. That wasn't excessively high considering the teams needed QB's and the hype surrounding them.

Cam was drafted a year after there were 10 QB's within 50 points of each other so QB wasn't considered a high value position. Last year we saw 6 QB's put up numbers better than the top QB (Rodgers) in 2010 and one of those happened to be a rookie. It used to be if you had a QB who could put up 330-350 you didn't have a liability at QB, but last year that put you 100+ points behind.

Now we have two QB's come out who look like the best we've seen in awhile so it's basically a perfect storm for their value. If QB scoring comes back to earth next year and Luck/RG3 have mediocre years then it's back to normal with QB values.

 

[Sabertooth]

Here is where Cam Newton was drafted in two of my PPR dynasty rookie drafts last year:League A - 18thLeague B - 16thHere is where Robert Griffin III was drafted in the same leagues a year later:League A - 4thLeague B - 6thIn addition to showing how comically underrated Cam Newton was last year, this also shows how strong the hype for RG3 is. Two leagues is not a very big sample size, but from the early returns it looks like RG3 will be drafted 10-12 spots ahead of where Cam went a year ago. Kind of funny when you consider that they are practically identical players on paper. Heisman winners. Dominant statistics. Prodigious physical gifts. Top 2 NFL draft picks. Despite their similarities, few owners saw fit to spend a first rounder on Cam last year, whereas RG will go in the first half of the first round in most leagues this year. Why the difference?Obviously Cam's rookie year has inflated the expectations for RG3. Everyone expects stardom. Also, the (flukishly?) high FF stats posted by QBs like Rodgers, Newton, Brees, Stafford, and Brady last season has made QB the trendy new prestige position in dynasty leagues. Makes me wonder if Luck and Griffin are being slightly overdrafted. Did the market correct itself? Or did it over-correct itself?

Got any openings?

 

[JAA]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.

If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

 

[pantherclub]

People keep comparing RG3 and Newton but their situations and abilities are not even remotely close.

 

[Sabertooth]

People keep comparing RG3 and Newton but their situations and abilities are not even remotely close.

Please explain your thoughts here. I think this is a worthy topic, and hope we can get some solid debate going. Their situations are similar in that both are top picks and are one weaker teams. Both can run (albeit with different styles), both have cannon arms and are hard workers with high football intelligence. Both seem to have a passion for the game.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

 

[JAA]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

Cam played in an spread read option offense. Most of those passing downs had 1 read, maybe 2. In a pro-style offense QBs will typically have 3 reads

 

[squistion]

Speaking just for myself, the success of Cam Newton is irrelevant to my liking RG3. Based on what I can find on YouTube (not just "best of" highlights, but plays of entire games) I am much more impressed with Griffin's passing ability than I ever was with Newton's - particularly his accuracy on the long ball. Don't get me wrong, I liked Newton but not with anything close to the enthusiasm I have for RG3.

 

[Sabertooth]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

Cam played in an spread read option offense. Most of those passing downs had 1 read, maybe 2. In a pro-style offense QBs will typically have 3 reads

Football intelligence would be more of something in the player, not the plays though. It may have been assumed that he had limited football IQ, but those assumptions were obviously wrong. Griffin comes from a similar situation in that he didn't play in a pro style at Baylor. Luck on the other hand was in a very pro-style setup and that is one of the reasons he was so highly rated. Doesn't mean he has a higher football IQ, just that he's had exposure to it and showed he understands. You might say with Luck...yeah he gets it. And with Griffin, we know he's smart but he hasn't had to apply himself in a pro-style game. But certainly not ... he can't do it.

 

[JAA]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

Cam played in an spread read option offense. Most of those passing downs had 1 read, maybe 2. In a pro-style offense QBs will typically have 3 reads

Football intelligence would be more of something in the player, not the plays though. It may have been assumed that he had limited football IQ, but those assumptions were obviously wrong. Griffin comes from a similar situation in that he didn't play in a pro style at Baylor. Luck on the other hand was in a very pro-style setup and that is one of the reasons he was so highly rated. Doesn't mean he has a higher football IQ, just that he's had exposure to it and showed he understands. You might say with Luck...yeah he gets it. And with Griffin, we know he's smart but he hasn't had to apply himself in a pro-style game. But certainly not ... he can't do it.

Tell me about RGIII's offense at Baylor, you missed that part

 

[pantherclub]

People keep comparing RG3 and Newton but their situations and abilities are not even remotely close.

Please explain your thoughts here. I think this is a worthy topic, and hope we can get some solid debate going. Their situations are similar in that both are top picks and are one weaker teams. Both can run (albeit with different styles), both have cannon arms and are hard workers with high football intelligence. Both seem to have a passion for the game.

Cam is not the passer RG3 is coming out of college. Cam is a better athlete and runs like a running back whereas RG3 runs for speed. IF that makes any sense. Newton is a freak of nature and is often the biggest guy and strongest guy on the field. Defenses had to build specific plans around his skill set to try and stop him. I dont see that happening with RG3.I could be wrong but I watched every snap of Newtons last year and probably about 3-4 Baylor games and I dont see a comparison at all between the 2.

 

[Sabertooth]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.

If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

Cam played in an spread read option offense. Most of those passing downs had 1 read, maybe 2. In a pro-style offense QBs will typically have 3 reads

Football intelligence would be more of something in the player, not the plays though. It may have been assumed that he had limited football IQ, but those assumptions were obviously wrong. Griffin comes from a similar situation in that he didn't play in a pro style at Baylor. Luck on the other hand was in a very pro-style setup and that is one of the reasons he was so highly rated. Doesn't mean he has a higher football IQ, just that he's had exposure to it and showed he understands. You might say with Luck...yeah he gets it. And with Griffin, we know he's smart but he hasn't had to apply himself in a pro-style game. But certainly not ... he can't do it.

Tell me about RGIII's offense at Baylor, you missed that part

My link

 

[Sabertooth]

People keep comparing RG3 and Newton but their situations and abilities are not even remotely close.

Please explain your thoughts here. I think this is a worthy topic, and hope we can get some solid debate going. Their situations are similar in that both are top picks and are one weaker teams. Both can run (albeit with different styles), both have cannon arms and are hard workers with high football intelligence. Both seem to have a passion for the game.

Cam is not the passer RG3 is coming out of college. Cam is a better athlete and runs like a running back whereas RG3 runs for speed. IF that makes any sense. Newton is a freak of nature and is often the biggest guy and strongest guy on the field. Defenses had to build specific plans around his skill set to try and stop him. I dont see that happening with RG3.I could be wrong but I watched every snap of Newtons last year and probably about 3-4 Baylor games and I dont see a comparison at all between the 2.

I see what you are saying and agree. Definitly different. Griffin is Chris Johnson to Newton's Steven Jackson. But speed kills too. Couple that with being a better pass (not convinced of this just yet. Let's see how he does against the top NFL defenses first) and you could be looking at a very effective fantasy quarterback. The routes they take may differ. But to say they are not even remotely similar is exaggeration. Now Cam Newton and Matt Flynn are two guys that I'd say are not even remotely similar.

 

[Hang 10]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

 

[pantherclub]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

 

[Hang 10]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

What makes you think he's better at all? I would say that Newton is a better inside runner than Griffin but RG3 could have went the Olympics for track. I'd say that is a little more quantitative than anything you can say about Newton.

 

[Sabertooth]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/971351/camrg3_medium.gif

 

[pantherclub]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

What makes you think he's better at all? I would say that Newton is a better inside runner than Griffin but RG3 could have went the Olympics for track. I'd say that is a little more quantitative than anything you can say about Newton.

I hear what you are saying but I think you are probably in the minority if you think that RG3 is a better overall athlete than Newton.

 

[BassNBrew]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/971351/camrg3_medium.gif

Interesting. RG gets a better jump by a hair, but Cam holds steady and appears to close the gap between 5 and 10 yards. It's pretty much even until the 15 yard mark when RG drops Cam.

 

[Sabertooth]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

What makes you think he's better at all? I would say that Newton is a better inside runner than Griffin but RG3 could have went the Olympics for track. I'd say that is a little more quantitative than anything you can say about Newton.

I hear what you are saying but I think you are probably in the minority if you think that RG3 is a better overall athlete than Newton.

He's bigger. But I think Griffin is also the better athlete. That isn't to say he's going to be a better football player though so it doesn't really even matter.

 

[Hang 10]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

What makes you think he's better at all? I would say that Newton is a better inside runner than Griffin but RG3 could have went the Olympics for track. I'd say that is a little more quantitative than anything you can say about Newton.

I hear what you are saying but I think you are probably in the minority if you think that RG3 is a better overall athlete than Newton.

Griffin is faster, jumps higher and was a two sport athlete in college. What do you got?

 

[renesauz]

FWIW...Cam went very late first, early second in most of my leagues last year. Between picks 10-14.

RG3 and Luck definately going a lot earlier this year...no chance at RG3 at #6, let alone 10 or 12.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

Back to the OP, I think that Newton's performance has contributed to the rise of stock for RG3 and Luck but certainly not the only reason.

I think that the devaluation of the RB position from a 1 RB system to a nearly full blown RBBC system last year was not fully realized in rookie drafts like it will be this year. Plus there is only one real RB stud (according to most)in this draft, and the WR talent is not superior either. Add to that fact that we possibly have two of the most gifted QB's to enter the draft in a long time and that a good number of QB studs are approaching or over 30, and we can see why Luck and RG3 are going early.

 

[Donsmith753]

Back to the OP, I think that Newton's performance has contributed to the rise of stock for RG3 and Luck but certainly not the only reason.I think that the devaluation of the RB position from a 1 RB system to a nearly full blown RBBC system last year was not fully realized in rookie drafts like it will be this year. Plus there is only one real RB stud (according to most)in this draft, and the WR talent is not superior either. Add to that fact that we possibly have two of the most gifted QB's to enter the draft in a long time and that a good number of QB studs are approaching or over 30, and we can see why Luck and RG3 are going early.

Agree it's as much to do with a devaluing at other positions than just the Cam effect. That's certainly helped though.Interesting point re Stud Qbs getting older. Manning was still 'fine' at the time of most rookie drafts last year. He, Brees, Brady are all getting older and for teams that won't compete it makes sense they would trade and draft one of these guys early.

 

[cheese]

Another factor is just how dominant the QB position was to FF in general last season. If you're a team who had Josh Freeman or Matt Ryan outscored by 20 every week by Rodgers/Brees/Brady, you're more inclined to start valuing the position differently in this draft.

 

[Warhogs]

I think the OP has picked out just one contributing factor in the draft slotting and has missed several others. In most of my leagues last year Cam went between 1.06 - 2.04 and in most drafts was a late first round pick.

There were several QB that a lot of people had ranked rather closely so I think teams were willing to wait a bit because they felt they would be happy with any of about 4 or 5 rookie QB. This year the drop seems to be after 2. The top RB seemed deeper last year as teams were looking at Ingram, Thomas, LeShoure and Williams in the top half of round 1. There were also 2 elite WR available in Green and Jones. This really pushed the starting point to look at a QB to the 2nd half of round 1.

This year we have 2 or 3 RB prospects that look to go early. The best WR is not rated nearly as high as the top 2 last year. The dropoff after the first two QB is greater and the depth at WR this year seems very good. This should generall push the top 2 or 3 RB and the top 2 QB up and will natural force the WR position to slide due to less of a dropoff and not as elite talents as last year at that position.

I'm not sure I agree there is a Cam effect.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

We're over-thinking this. Simply put, RG3 is a much better prospect than Cam was. Yes, they're both heisman winners with dominant statistics and physical gifts. So was Tim Tebow and countless others. The simple answer is that there is a whole lot more to a prospect than those simple similarities. RG3 is considered an elite passer who can also run. When Cam came out we all knew he had a good arm but most people didn't consider him even a good passer, much less elite.

When you listen to people talk about the best QB prospects of the past decade Andrew Luck is the name that immediately comes to mind, but RG3 is right behind him. Meanwhile, no one talks about Cam Newton when that list comes up (at least not without using hindsight as their crutch).

I'm sure it's true that people are over-correcting on quarterbacks a bit due to last year. Let's take all of that out of the equation though and just imagine that the question when both came out were "do you think that this guy is going to be a bust in the NFL?". Far, far more people would have answered "yes" to that question about Cam (my guesstimate would be upwards of 60-70%) than RG3 (my guesstimate would be around 20-30%).

Forget points, vbd, positional scarcity, etc. The simple answer here is that most people thought that Cam wasn't a very good QB prospect and most people feel that RG3 is.

 

[Rolling_akg]

I think as much as cam newton effect helps rg3, the jamarcus russell effect hurt cam

 

[Sabertooth]

We're over-thinking this. Simply put, RG3 is a much better prospect than Cam was. Yes, they're both heisman winners with dominant statistics and physical gifts. So was Tim Tebow and countless others. The simple answer is that there is a whole lot more to a prospect than those simple similarities. RG3 is considered an elite passer who can also run. When Cam came out we all knew he had a good arm but most people didn't consider him even a good passer, much less elite.When you listen to people talk about the best QB prospects of the past decade Andrew Luck is the name that immediately comes to mind, but RG3 is right behind him. Meanwhile, no one talks about Cam Newton when that list comes up (at least not without using hindsight as their crutch).I'm sure it's true that people are over-correcting on quarterbacks a bit due to last year. Let's take all of that out of the equation though and just imagine that the question when both came out were "do you think that this guy is going to be a bust in the NFL?". Far, far more people would have answered "yes" to that question about Cam (my guesstimate would be upwards of 60-70%) than RG3 (my guesstimate would be around 20-30%).Forget points, vbd, positional scarcity, etc. The simple answer here is that most people thought that Cam wasn't a very good QB prospect and most people feel that RG3 is.

Part of what turned me off on Newton was the allegations of payments taken and things of that nature too. Character can be a real killer. Those appear to have been no big deal now. But Griffin and Luck have impeccable character.

 

[Sabertooth]

I think as much as cam newton effect helps rg3, the jamarcus russell effect hurt cam

Probably very true.

 

[rizzler]

Griffin Lover #1 Enters the Arena:

Absolutely can't stand the "Cam is a better athlete" statement. Says who?

They are both absolute freaks when it comes to natural ability. They each have a different freakishness about them that the other cannot match (ie: RG speed, Cam strength)

They're both superhuman, and neither is the "superior athlete", as they can both embarrass their opposition in a multitude of ways.

Cam's fantasy numbers will likely not be beaten by RG3 in his rookie year.

Conversely, Cam was definitely not the same caliber quarterback (in terms of qb skills) that RG3 is.

It's wash. They'll both likely dominate the league for years to come, in their own ways.

 

[Shutout]

the driving factors are obvious. I see it as a situaiton where every scenario turns on its own events.

given that, and realizing that things are different than they were in the past few years, I don't see a problem with both being gone top 6, pending needs of teams. Especially in dynasty leagues because if you hit on a guy like that, you don't worry about QB for a decade.

 

[rizzler]

another thing...

Cam went 2.16 and 2.18 in dynasty rookie drafts!!??!!??

I want in. now.

 

[EBF]

Why is that the case though? Newton had very good passing stats and was also a top 2 pick (actually the #1 overall pick). And he did this as a one year college starter, whereas Griffin took several years at Baylor to reach Cam's level.

It's obvious in hindsight that Cam was severely underrated. I just find it interesting that the perceived risk factor with RG3 is thought to be so much lower. He went very early in a startup I did a while back and is going ahead of guys like Floyd, Martin, and Wright in my drafts. Not saying any of this is wrong, but it's definitely interesting how two players who are so similar on paper can be valued so differently just 12 months apart. I think the general success of elite QBs last season is a big factor, but I also think the memory of Cam is fresh in everyone's mind. Has me wondering if he isn't a bit overvalued simply because you don't hear much talk about the potential of him being a major or minor disappointment, in which case he would not be worth his cost.

You could say the same for Luck, although it's a bit more understandable since he's been hyped as the "best QB prospect since...X" for over a year now.

 

[rizzler]

See this new thread: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=640431

Bloom is drinking the RG3 gin 'n tonic as well..

ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!?

 

[TheFanatic]

another thing...

Cam went 2.16 and 2.18 in dynasty rookie drafts!!??!!??

I want in. now.

He went first overall in your draft. You guys are indeed sharks. I'm pretty sure I picked him up early second last year, and was kicking myself for wasting the pick on him.

Lots of knocks on the kid at the time. The media basically assassinated him on multiple levels. It was a complete smear campaign until game 1. Then it was a Cam Circle Jerk by the media.

I always thought that this board had a 1 year memory, now it seems they have about an 8 month memory if everyone thinks this kid was a slam dunk last year. Outside of start 2 QB leagues, I doubt he went in the top 5 in less than 5% of leagues considering who else was available (Green, Julio, Ingram, etc).

 

[ex-ghost]

Same here, went in the early second. The person who picked him did not even want him, but nothing else of value was really left to draft.

 

[rizzler]

He went first overall in your draft. You guys are indeed sharks.

Actually, I just looked back at our draft, and he went 1.09 in a 12 man dynasty.Shocked, I thought he went earlier.

 

[FavreCo]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Newton's numbers dropped steadily throughout the year. My guess is due to film on him. No 300 yard passing games after week 4. No 200 yard passing games after week 13. While he did finish with 4k yards, an easy feat these days, his rushing TD's inflated his overall numbers. A continued risk of injury even in today's game.

 

[Sabertooth]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Newton's numbers dropped steadily throughout the year. My guess is due to film on him. No 300 yard passing games after week 4. No 200 yard passing games after week 13. While he did finish with 4k yards, an easy feat these days, his rushing TD's inflated his overall numbers. A continued risk of injury even in today's game.

Another good posting.

 

[FDC]

Newton's numbers dropped late because of game situations. 4 of the last 6 games were wins. The 1 loss to Atlanta, Carolina had a 13 pt second half lead and blew it. There also was an obvious effort to break the QB rushing TD record and thats not likely to happen again. OG was addressed early in the draft for Carolina, perhaps they intend to use their backs in future goalline situations. All in all it seems like Cam is a good sell high option as its reasonable to expect Carolina to be more competitive in the future.

 

[Clifford]

People keep comparing RG3 and Newton but their situations and abilities are not even remotely close.

Please explain your thoughts here. I think this is a worthy topic, and hope we can get some solid debate going. Their situations are similar in that both are top picks and are one weaker teams. Both can run (albeit with different styles), both have cannon arms and are hard workers with high football intelligence. Both seem to have a passion for the game.

Cam is not the passer RG3 is coming out of college. Cam is a better athlete and runs like a running back whereas RG3 runs for speed. IF that makes any sense. Newton is a freak of nature and is often the biggest guy and strongest guy on the field. Defenses had to build specific plans around his skill set to try and stop him. I dont see that happening with RG3.I could be wrong but I watched every snap of Newtons last year and probably about 3-4 Baylor games and I dont see a comparison at all between the 2.

Agree. The only reason they are compared is that both have the ability to move the ball with their feet.RG3 is not the physical specimen that Newton is. Netwon's size makes it easier for him to read the field and makes him harder to bring down. I would not look at Newton's rookie stats and expect those to be replicated by RG3. I think Newton's size made his transition to the NFL a lot easier.

 

[JAA]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Why do you say RGIII has a higher football IQ? What are you basing this on? Rivera said last season that Newton caught on extremely well, and they kept throwing more of the playbook at him since he was understanding the plays and his reads so well.

Cam played in an spread read option offense. Most of those passing downs had 1 read, maybe 2. In a pro-style offense QBs will typically have 3 reads

Football intelligence would be more of something in the player, not the plays though. It may have been assumed that he had limited football IQ, but those assumptions were obviously wrong. Griffin comes from a similar situation in that he didn't play in a pro style at Baylor. Luck on the other hand was in a very pro-style setup and that is one of the reasons he was so highly rated. Doesn't mean he has a higher football IQ, just that he's had exposure to it and showed he understands. You might say with Luck...yeah he gets it. And with Griffin, we know he's smart but he hasn't had to apply himself in a pro-style game. But certainly not ... he can't do it.

Tell me about RGIII's offense at Baylor, you missed that part

http://bit.ly/KuD5Xv

fixed

 

[JAA]

Cam is twice the athlete RGIII is. I would say RGIII is a much more polished passer and a higher football IQ than Cam.If we put them in the same draft as rookies, I would prolly take RGIII like 304 spots higher as I wasnt a Cam fan (still am not). Also, I would have said RGIII is going to a better system.

Twice the athlete?

I am not sure how you quantify that statement. I think Cam is obviously the better athlete but twice? Not sure about that.

How many rushing touchdowns is RGIII going to have next season? I bet it is half of what Newton had last year.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Why do people try to knock what Cam did last year while completely omitting the fact that he did it as a rookie with virtually no offseason program? How good do you think he might have been if he hadn't been spoonfed the playbook over the course of the year and actually had time to learn and practice it for a few months beforehand?

They're both exceptional athletes, but because of an offseason schedule and training camp, Griffin is going to have a huge advantage as a rookie that Cam didn't have.... and I still don't expect him to be as productive.

Cam can be scary good if the reports on his work ethic are accurate, and I haven't heard a negative word about him here in Charlotte since he was drafted.

 

[Clifford]

Cam has a good shot at the HOF. As a Bama fan I wanted to have every reason to doubt the kid but he asbolutely dominated the SEC and continued right on track by turning in arguably one of the best QB rookie seasons ever, in the shortest offseason ever.

While he did regress throughout the year, it's to be expected once teams key in on how a rookie plays. Honestly I think comparing Andrew Luck to him would be unfair. Comparing RG3 to him is a really tough standard to live up to.

Just let RG3 be RG3.

 

[Sabertooth]

Why do people try to knock what Cam did last year while completely omitting the fact that he did it as a rookie with virtually no offseason program? How good do you think he might have been if he hadn't been spoonfed the playbook over the course of the year and actually had time to learn and practice it for a few months beforehand? They're both exceptional athletes, but because of an offseason schedule and training camp, Griffin is going to have a huge advantage as a rookie that Cam didn't have.... and I still don't expect him to be as productive.Cam can be scary good if the reports on his work ethic are accurate, and I haven't heard a negative word about him here in Charlotte since he was drafted.

I don't expect him to be as good as Cam. I think expecting Cam to be is good as 2011 Cam is risky. It was a historic season. Banking on that happening again is folly.

 

[rizzler]

Cam has a good shot at the HOF.

Jumping the gun a lil?

 

[Sabertooth]

Cam has a good shot at the HOF.

Jumping the gun a lil?

Not even mathematically possible on this board. Cam Newton's unborn son has a good shot at being in the 2041 class.