3 keys in developing Cam Newton

[monstercat]

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

Why not? Vinny helped DeAngelo Williams a lot with his development. Vinny may not have been the best QB in the world, but he was a pro who understood how to prepare himself to play.

[Millions]

Great points especially about D-will and Newton clicking but I could see Smitty seeing something in Cam that desire and will to win that he also has. Might make him stay or wishful thinking on my part.

[teeray]

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.

The thing I like the most was that in River's press conference he talked about the exact things that I envisioned for Cam. Forcing teams to keep containment instead of crashing down on the RB, naked boots, moving the pocket, etc.

I also love the fact that he looked at it from a DC point of view. He knows Cam may become a nightmare to game plan for.

One of the things that Jim Mora Jr. really screwed up when he was in ATL was trying to completely change Mike Vick's stripes. I know why they did it. Vick got hurt the previous season and was the highest paid player in football. And I agree you don't want your QB running a whole lot in the NFL. But Vick only struggled in ATL when they went away from what Vick was and what he did best.

It was refreshing to hear that Rivera won't make the same mistake.

[PantherBrew]

Agree on all counts.

[theyhateme45]

Vinny???

What about Weinke?? I saw on one of the ESPN specials he was doing some work with CAM helping him get ready for his pro day work out.... :D

[Lumps]

lol it is AMAZING to me the different standards you guys put on poeple vs. Clausen.

I'll say what you all said after poeple stated Smitty was hurting Clausen more than helping last yea: "If he can't handle smitty he is not ready to start/be NFL QB/on this team". So many more luxuries it seems Cam is humbly given to him by everyone. But whatever I guess we can just consider Clausen as a throw away QB (and pick) from 2010. I like Newton's ceiling anyway.

The question in this whole scenario is what is Clausen does get motivated and come in and blows things up. You're sitting at 5-0 or 5-1 and a young QB on fire with a #1 overall sitting on the bench. Doesn't sound like a win-win to me, at that point it will sound as if this organization lost it's patience and forced us into a bad situation.

Honestly I think the FO will avoid any issues like these, as much as I'd like to see how this is going to motivate Clausen and how he'll deal with his mistakes, I don't see him playing this year.

[CarolinaCatBrigade]

lol it is AMAZING to me the different standards you guys put on poeple vs. Clausen.

I'll say what you all said after poeple stated Smitty was hurting Clausen more than helping last yea: "If he can't handle smitty he is not ready to start/be NFL QB/on this team". So many more luxuries it seems Cam is humbly given to him by everyone. But whatever I guess we can just consider Clausen as a throw away QB (and pick) from 2010. I like Newton's ceiling anyway.

The question in this whole scenario is what is Clausen does get motivated and come in and blows things up. You're sitting at 5-0 or 5-1 and a young QB on fire with a #1 overall sitting on the bench. Doesn't sound like a win-win to me, at that point it will sound as if this organization lost it's patience and forced us into a bad situation.

Honestly I think the FO will avoid any issues like these, as much as I'd like to see how this is going to motivate Clausen and how he'll deal with his mistakes, I don't see him playing this year.

Lol at clausen taking us 5-0

[Mr. Scot]

I hope he fails miserably.

Well then you've done well providing him an example of just how to do that.

[Mr. Scot]

lol it is AMAZING to me the different standards you guys put on poeple vs. Clausen.

I'll say what you all said after poeple stated Smitty was hurting Clausen more than helping last yea: "If he can't handle smitty he is not ready to start/be NFL QB/on this team". So many more luxuries it seems Cam is humbly given to him by everyone. But whatever I guess we can just consider Clausen as a throw away QB (and pick) from 2010. I like Newton's ceiling anyway.

The question in this whole scenario is what is Clausen does get motivated and come in and blows things up. You're sitting at 5-0 or 5-1 and a young QB on fire with a #1 overall sitting on the bench. Doesn't sound like a win-win to me, at that point it will sound as if this organization lost it's patience and forced us into a bad situation.

Honestly I think the FO will avoid any issues like these, as much as I'd like to see how this is going to motivate Clausen and how he'll deal with his mistakes, I don't see him playing this year.

To be perfectly honest, I think there's a good chance Smith is gone regardless of how it affects Newton.

(and you could make a good argument that's how it should be)

[Snake]

To be honest I agree that Smith will only become more of a distraction. If we want Clausen and Newton to develope then we need him gone. So long Smith and dont let the door hit you in the ass.

Also I like the idea of Testaverde. He may not have been a great QB but he seems like a great teacher.

[SOJA]

crazy how at the beginning of this offseason I though there was A) no way we re-sign Deangelo B) no way Smitty is gone and C) No way we were going to draft a QB with the first pick

strangely however I am not only coming to grips with this reality, but actually see the benefits of it. I definitely think the Newton pick will motivate Clausen. At the very least some team will take a chance on him being their back-up and potential future starter: Pats, Seahawks, Colts, Redskins, hell maybe even the Bungles

[bleys]

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

wise words.

[MadHatter]

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.

They did not say they were designing the offense to fit him. What they are doing is taking out SOME plays that he is not ready for, and adding SOME plays specifically for him.

This wil lstill be the same offense that Chud was planning on implementing.

[blackcatgrowl]

Agree with point #1. Smith has been fun to watch, but if he's becoming a disruption for the team, he should go. Don't get me wrong... I'd like to see him retire a Panther... but it is what it is.

Point #2. Yes. I agree. Keep good influences around him. But Testaverde? Huh? Is he even available? I thought he lived in upstate NY. I don't see him coming down here to mentor Newton.

Point #3. Clausen should not be the starter. If Cam doesn't start day one, then Moore should be the go man. He has more experience as a veteran than Clausen, and played better than Pickles did last year until Fox foolishly pulled him, and then he got hurt. With the high demand on QBs this year, Clausen should be traded for something (receiver, draft pick, whatever). His mechanics, his attitude, his performance were absolutely terrible. He's a career backup at best.

With that said, I do believe there is strong chance Newton will start before game 4, and about a 50% chance he is our starter in game 1. Preseason will never be as important for our team.