Brandt gives Cam some love (some MVP whispers through three games)

[top dawg]

Cam is really getting some well deserved appreciation right now. Gil Brandt is one of the most respected minds in football, and it is not lost upon him that Cam Newton is basically driving the show on offense right now. But, more importantly, Brandt sees the growth of Cam on and off the field. You can tell that Brandt really observed Cam on his visits, so he is not talking out of his ass.  This article is definitely worth the read and something to consider. Here are Brandt's five reasons to consider Cam in the MVP conversation:

• 1) He seems to have stepped up as a leader.
• 2) His work habits are translating to on-field success.
• 3) He's better at running the offense.
• 4) He's showing more zip and touch.
• 5) He's a smarter, more dangerous runner.

This is a one-horse team. Stewart is a decent runner and Olsen is a good pass-catching tight end, but beyond that, the Panthers haven't given Newton much to work with. Carolina's defense is definitely an advantage, as illustrated by Josh Norman's penchant for making clutch interceptions, but the defense can't play quarterback. If it weren't for Newton, this team would struggle to put up 100 yards per game, and there's certainly little chance the Panthers would be undefeated. Tom Brady -- who has put up unreal numbers -- might give Newton a run for his money in terms of being the NFL's MVP through three weeks. But in my mind, Newton has been the more valuable player, especially when you take into account the high level of performance and the extreme dearth of supporting weapons.

How sweet it is that some things that some of us had already seen coming since last year is now coming to fruition, and that someone like Gil Brandt recognizes it.  What's even more amazing is that he recognizes and acknowledges that Cam has basically been doing all these great things with suspect talent around him, which is what some of us have been saying all along. Cam has been amazing through three games, and really most of his career. 

[ctrcat]

Cam is really getting some well deserved appreciation right now. Gil Brandt is one of the most respected minds in football, and it is not lost upon him that Cam Newton is basically driving the show on offense right now. But, more importantly, Brandt sees the growth of Cam on and off the field. You can tell that Brandt really observed Cam on his visits, so he is not talking out of his ass.  This article is definitely worth the read and something to consider. Here are Brandt's five reasons to consider Cam in the MVP conversation:

• 1) He seems to have stepped up as a leader.
• 2) His work habits are translating to on-field success.
• 3) He's better at running the offense.
• 4) He's showing more zip and touch.
• 5) He's a smarter, more dangerous runner.

How sweet it is that some things that some of us had already seen coming since last year is now coming to fruition, and that someone like Gil Brandt recognizes it.  What's even more amazing is that he recognizes and acknowledges that Cam has basically been doing all these great things with suspect talent around him, which is what some of us have been saying all along. Cam has been amazing through three games, and really most of his career. 

Last year?  I said after the 2013 Cardinals game and 1-3 start I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the history of football.  The best is yet to come.

[t96]

What's funny is Russell Wilson has never been in the MVP discussion at any point of any season in his career, and likely never will be. Yet everyone thinks he's better than Cam.

[top dawg]

Last year?  I said after the 2013 Cardinals game and 1-3 start I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the history of football.  The best is yet to come.

I get what you're saying, but I am thinking more in terms of the development and maturity as a player and man. 

Cam is coming into his own! 

[London Loves Luke]

Gil Brandt has always seen the value of Cam and has been one of his biggest supporters. Gil has been around a long time and shows more versatility and understanding of the changes in the game than most of the newer analysts. 

[Cary Kollins]

nice to finally see people catching on to what we've been saying for years

 

(would love to see my $20 Cam mvp bet at 50/1 pay off)

[top dawg]

I don't believe there is any QB in the league who could do so much with so little. Brady, maybe? But one thing about the Patriots is that they have smart, veteran guys who have bought into the system. They absolutely know what they are doing on every single play. Cam just doesn't have that right now.  Our team on offense is a whole lot more inexperienced, and has lesser talent, at wide-out.

And, Brandt didn't even address the lack of play calling (which was admittedly pretty impressive during the Saints game).

[TheWiz]

Too Much positive press. I need My Panthers playing angry with a chip on their shoulder pissed off at the world. 

People are talking a little TOO good about us... too early.

I really could careless about Cam in MVP talks. I want us winning. The National media seems to just copy each other. I wouldnt let our guys read anything but bad press. 

[t96]

I don't believe there is any QB in the league who could do so much with so little. Brady, maybe? But one thing about the Patriots is that they have smart, veteran guys who have bought into the system. They absolutely know what they are doing on every single play. Cam just doesn't have that right now.  Our team on offense is a whole lot more inexperienced, and has lesser talent, at wide-out.

And, Brandt didn't even address the lack of play calling (which was admittedly pretty impressive during the Saints game).

Nope. Brady relies 100% on the Patriots system and Belichick being a genius at finding players who fit it well. He's not a QB who could ever carry a team anywhere. If he was anywhere else he'd be a top 15ish but not "elite" QB. Only ones I'd say are Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers but Manning isn't at this point in his career any more. I think it was Brandt who said last year that if Cam was on the Packers roster he'd be playing as well as Rodgers. Cam and Rodgers are the only ones who can carry their team right now. 

[top dawg]

Nope. Brady relies 100% on the Patriots system and Belichick being a genius at finding players who fit it well. He's not a QB who could ever carry a team anywhere. If he was anywhere else he'd be a top 15ish but not "elite" QB. Only ones I'd say are Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers but Manning isn't at this point in his career any more. I think it was Brandt who said last year that if Cam was on the Packers roster he'd be playing as well as Rodgers. Cam and Rodgers are the only ones who can carry their team right now. 

Big words about arguably the best QB who has ever played the game. Belichick really wasn't poo before Brady. You know that.  But I'm not going to go off on a tangent about Brady, Luck, RG3, Wilson or any of them. This is all about Cameron Jerrell Newton! 

[t96]

Big words about arguably the best QB who has ever played the game. Belichick really wasn't poo before Brady. You know that.  But I'm not going to go off on a tangent about Brady, Luck, RG3, Wilson or any of them. This is all about Cameron Jerrell Newton! 

To be fair you brought up other QBs when you said you don't think there's any other QB in the league who can do so much with so little, but I'll stay out of this debate. My feelings towards the Patriots organization and Brady shouldn't be interfering with a thread on Cam.

[Chaos]

When I first saw this thread, I momentarily confused Brandt with Brando and about fell out of my chair.  Respected football guru vs douchebag bigot, should be easy to tell apart. 

[fieryprophet]

Nope. Brady relies 100% on the Patriots system and Belichick being a genius at finding players who fit it well. He's not a QB who could ever carry a team anywhere. If he was anywhere else he'd be a top 15ish but not "elite" QB. Only ones I'd say are Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers but Manning isn't at this point in his career any more. I think it was Brandt who said last year that if Cam was on the Packers roster he'd be playing as well as Rodgers. Cam and Rodgers are the only ones who can carry their team right now. 

I am 100% behind Cam, but this statement here is ridiculous. Cam is growing into an elite QB by emulating the path set by Brady in his preparation, attention to detail, and post-snap recognition. I don't buy Brady as a GOAT or anything but the man is an elite QB, end of story. The Patriots can build the scheme they have because they trust Brady to understand and maximize it, much like how our offense is designed completely around Cam and requires his full command in order to succeed.

[nctarheel0619]

Wish people would pump the brakes on this a bit.  Way too early in the season, especially with the defense crumbling before out eyes.