3 keys in developing Cam Newton

[Zod]

1. Let Smith go, he will hurt more than help. Smith needs to win now, and that won't be in the cards this season. Smith is not a coach. Smith is not a mentor. Smith is a pit bull that needs to be on a team in contention. So long Smitty, thanks for the effort.

2. Surround Cam with positive people. Resign Deangelo. Deangelo and Cam will bond instantly. There will be a contest in camp to see who smiles more. Hire Testaverde as a QB consultant. Testaverde can show Cam what it takes to be a long term starter in this league. As a former highly touted Heisman winner that went to a less than spectacular team, he can relate to Cam. A few months with Vinny in his ear, keeping him grounded and his head on straight, and Cam will mature greatly.

3. Treat him like a rookie. Cam is going to need a large portion of humble pie from us before he is served it up from other teams. Clausen should remain the starter until Cam can take it from him. Clausen has to be pissed about this, and my sense of him is that it will motivate him. I expect him to put up a fight, which is great, everyone wins. Cam needs to know that his job this season is to learn and improve. He will not come out on day one and look like a pro bowler. That is not expected of him. What is expected of him is progress. Mistakes made one week should be minimized the next.

[Darth Biscuit]

Good points Zod. I hate to see Smith go but the last thing we need are distractions.

[TMS3426]

I hope he fails miserably.

[Darth Biscuit]

Hey Zod... why don't u delete this guy's account since he doesn't like the Panthers anymore... no need to hang around.

[Squirrel]

Zod is wise.

[nagai]

I hope he fails miserably.

It's OK, Blaine. You'll get to sit for a year behind Garrard.

[top dawg]

This is a Newton era: It must begin with patience.

[YourManInAmsterdam]

Good points, all around Zod.

The only thing I'd beg to differ on is that I'd much prefer playing/starting veteran mentor for Newton. Admittedly, that's probably easier said than done. It just seems ideal in my eyes.

Even with a playing/starting mentor, I like the idea of having another "offensive consultant" around a la Ricky Proehl, and Testaverde is the guy that immediately comes to mind when I think of filling that role.

[Guest]

I hope he fails miserably.

[Matthias]

Unfortunately for Newton, he will be the day one starter. If we are going to start Clausen next year, we might as well forfeit those games until Newton is ready to play. Since everyone has pretty much boot Matt Moore out the door (I never hear this guy's name anymore), and since we most likely won't get a respectable veteran QB because teams like the Cards will be more appealing to them, it looks like Cam Newton will be the day one starter. Besides, if I'm paying a guy 60 million dollars in guaranteed money, he is playing. (We have guys that need resigning, but now because we have to pay this rookie so much money, some of our guys may not get resigned. He has to play)

So what we need to do is draft another weapon for Newton to throw to. If Hurney trades back up into the second round, he better take Kyle Rudolph, and no one else. (We can get a DT and CB later in the draft or through free agency)

[JawnyBlaze]

Great points Zod. I'd also hate to see Smitty go, but if that's what he wants (still not a fact, just a theory) then we should accommodate him out of respect for him and what he's done for the team AND for the good of the team for the reasons you pointed out.

[Catalyst]

Vinny? Not sure that's the best model for Cam to follow...

[CatMan72]

1. Let Smith go, he will hurt more than help. Smith needs to win now, and that won't be in the cards this season. Smith is not a coach. Smith is not a mentor. Smith is a pit bull that needs to be on a team in contention. So long Smitty, thanks for the effort.

2. Surround Cam with positive people. Resign Deangelo. Deangelo and Cam will bond instantly. There will be a contest in camp to see who smiles more. Hire Testaverde as a QB consultant. Testaverde can show Cam what it takes to be a long term starter in this league. As a former highly touted Heisman winner that went to a less than spectacular team, he can relate to Cam. A few months with Vinny in his ear, keeping him grounded and his head on straight, and Cam will mature greatly.

3. Treat him like a rookie. Cam is going to need a large portion of humble pie from us before he is served it up from other teams. Clausen should remain the starter until Cam can take it from him. Clausen has to be pissed about this, and my sense of him is that it will motivate him. I expect him to put up a fight, which is great, everyone wins. Cam needs to know that his job this season is to learn and improve. He will not come out on day one and look like a pro bowler. That is not expected of him. What is expected of him is progress. Mistakes made one week should be minimized the next.

Very well said, totally agree... especially on the part about Smith, with don't need Smith going toxic on us and damaging morale, thanks for the memories 89.

I also live the idea of bringing in Testaverde, DeAngelo credits Vinny with turning his career around by showing him how to prepare, etc...

[monstercat]

I love the fact that they're already saying they're gonna design the offense to fit Cam's unique skills. That was the number 1 concern for me. Other than that, I just want them to be patient and not put him out there before he's ready. His long term success is much much more important than instant gratification.