Great read on Cam and Fan Fest

[beastson]

Pep forbidding any type of career injury, he definitely getting in

[smitty_89]

my favorite part:

“I’m very passionate when it comes to fans, because I once was in their seats, looking down and hoping that one day I’d get a chance to see or witness the life of an NFL player. I know I can’t sign everybody’s autograph, but I just want them to see that I care."

[jherald]

He's a very young "professional". Wise and respectful young man who expects perfection for himself.

[neverlosethefeeling]

I've been nothing but impressed with Cam. Even if we go 4-12 this season, you've got to believe we're headed in the right direction with #1. Like others have said, he just seems like he gets it and more importantly like he wants it.

[Proudiddy]

Brad's a good writer. He and I were mods together on the official Panthers board (a lifetime ago).

I appreciate his works as well. He seems to be doing really well for himself now in the field... Kind of inspiring me to look into writing at some point.

Anyway, as far as Cam... I'm really starting to wonder if maybe that huge "red flag" that followed him since Florida isn't the reason for his charisma now. Often times, when people go through something they didn't anticipate that has negative consequences on their life, it has a habit of making them mature and change REAL quick.

As much flak as he caught for all that stuff, perhaps it was all he needed to develop a new outlook on things and a new way of approaching things himself... To be a rookie and have veterans like Smitty in your corner, you've gotta have some substance behind the person.

Just a thought...

[jtnc]

That week sucked. Swarmed/trolled by Pats fans for a week, barely lose the superbowl then lose the forum right after.

What happened to the forum?

[R0CKnR0LLA]

not to be a hater or anything but maybe this guy can play a single snap in a real NFL game before we all line up to suck his d**k just a thought

[MHS831]

I like that fact that hes making plays but im also scared that it could just be our defense that sucks.

Lotta starters were wearing shorts on the sideline

[MHS831]

Writer says Cam has an unreal charisma, moreso than Delhomme. That's hard to imagine, but he'll be a hit in the lockerroom and that alone will do wonders.

After practice, he ran to all 4 corners of the field signing autographs. But he was working the crowd. I am amazed at how he handles the media and fan attention. IT is unreal. It is like we have a rock star at QB. He handles it well.

[CatMan72]

Great write-up, thanks for sharing that.

Cam "gets it" and that's half the battle... man I'm excited about this season!

[fam4life09]

He still look good. He gets the ball out very fast considering he played one year in division 1. Just my opinion we are a totally different team when Cam is out there, and the players on the team knows that. No disrespect on Jimmy but he is not ready for this level. Have to be able to see over the line to make plays. Check downs only take you so far until the defense take them away.

[MHS831]

As soon as Cam is able to get up to speed, this offense is going to be fantastic. What he says about Olsen and Shockey has me day-dreaming about Smitty and Gettis stretching the defense while Shockey and Olson run criss-crossing slant routes right behind the LBs, snatching the ball right out of the air with YAC.

All at the same time while our 34 and 28 and the o-line are opening everything up with the run-game.

Then, on the other side of the ball, we have a talented group of guys blitzing the QB all day long... man, I can't wait for the season to begin!

Imagine a single back set with Cam in the shotgun. The back is Goodson, a sure-handed speedster. Steve Smith is wide to the left, Gettis is wide right. Shockey is at TE and Olson is in the slot.

You have to cover Smith with your best CB. Shockey will be covered by a LB, Goodson? The SS?. Gettis is covered by the #2 CB. Now you have Olsen. Do you cover a tall TE with 4.5 speed with a nickel back? OK, let's say you cover him with the nickel back. That leaves you with a safety who now has three deep threats who are locked in man coverage. Since your nickel is in, you have one free LB, who probably has to shadow Cam Newton. Who rushes? The front 4. If they are in a 3-4, then you rush 3 linemen and a LB. We have 5 guys to block 4.

I do not see how to defend us. What will happen is this: Smitty will not be double covered as much, there will be fewer blitzes, Olsen will create coverage mismatches, the #2 will see more man coverage with no help over the top, and the backs should become weapons in the passing game.

[Cape Fear Cat]

You know, the more you see of him, the more you can't help but root for the kid. I was indifferent to his selection when it happened, but without being a blind homer, I find myself more and more in the Cam camp. I hope he lives up to everyone's expectations - including his own.

[Udogg]

After practice, he ran to all 4 corners of the field signing autographs. But he was working the crowd. I am amazed at how he handles the media and fan attention. IT is unreal. It is like we have a rock star at QB. He handles it well.

He was like Hulk Hogan in the 80's! It's amazing how he was working the crowd.