Preseason Impressions: The Quarterbacks

[Seamonk]

if we're gonna be losing as much as the op thinks.. wouldn't it be better to let cam go through his growing pains since his problems are in a sense more coachable. And as a rookie that did not experience a full offseason, He needs reps. No better reps than in an actual game.

[Urrymonster]

Manning

Brady (Bledsoe was a 3 time Pro Bowler)

Rodgers (Favre was a 10 time Pro Bowler)

Rivers ( Brees had a Pro Bowl season and was the 1st of many to come)

Brees (Pro Bowler Doug Flutie)

yes they sat, they sat b/c there teams have better options to put on the field. We don't have a QB comparable to Bledsoe, Favre, Brees, or Flutie.......therefore Cam finds himself in Manning's situation.

You do realise that Derek Anderson is also a Pro Bowler?

Doug Floutie was a part time starter the year before SD brought him in with Buffalo, so Flutie had achieved nothing for SD nor had he had a great career up till this point (went to the pro bowl 3 years prior). The only reason he would have started and remained starter in 2001 was to provide Brees time to sit and learn.

Drew Brees achieved his first pro bowl the year Rivers was drafted AND up till this point had achieved season QB ratings of 67.5 and 76.9 - he had achieved nothing when Rivers was drafted. Again, the only logical reason to continue with Brees would be to allow Rivers time.

You assessment is lacking in accuracy and somewhat amusing considering the Flutie situation is actually very similar to Anderson's.

Good thing we have a QB who can evade the pass rush

I am starting to believe you see this guy as superman or something. He WILL get hit, all elusive QBs do simply because they can hang on to the ball for longer than most QBs.

He's already been taken down a few times and he hasn't really showed an ability to escape pressure.

if you look at what is around Cam.....the new scheme is the only excuse. They will get that part down soon.

The talent around him is just as good as any rookie that has started in recent history. They just need a QB to develop and remotely function well for them as a whole to operate.

Just looking at what surrounds a QB....explain to me how Ryan's, Sanchez's, Flacco's, etc. offensive talent around them made it more likely for them to succeed. Carolina just needs to start playing Panther football. Cam isn't doomed if he plays.

Freeman when he started as a rookie had much less around him (granted he didn't start week 1 and had OTAs....but Cam is not going to be doomed over 16 games.

Either he can or can't hack it. Not saying he will be great this year but the kid will either show he can play or can't on this level.

Freeman got sacked a shade over once a game and had a flying Antonio Bryant that year, that is miles better than what we can offer.

Your way is wrong.

It isn't, but neither is it right. Every QB will require a unique way of coaching and exposure to game time before being ready. Due to what Cam needs to work on, I personally believe he will make much quicker and long lasting progress by not being placed into pressure situations. I view footwork and technique issues much like adjusting your swing in golf. The practice rounds are fine because the adrenaline isn't pumping and you have time to go through all your swings checks. As soon as you tee up for real, you don't have the ability to control your excitement or frustration as well as not having all the time in the world. Now magnify this unbelievably in the NFL...

I can guarantee you that it is almost impossible to play instinctively whilst still making technical adjustments, because to ensure you are doing the right things you have to think about them. This slows your decision making down. For proper technique and footwork it HAS to become muscle memory before being placed into high pressure situations - otherwise you just revert to instinctive actions.

[PantherBrew]

I am starting to believe you see this guy as superman or something. He WILL get hit, all elusive QBs do simply because they can hang on to the ball for longer than most QBs.

He's already been taken down a few times and he hasn't really showed an ability to escape pressure.

Freeman got sacked a shade over once a game and had a flying Antonio Bryant that year, that is miles better than what we can offer.

Serious question...

Have you watched any of the preseason games?

He could have gotten sacked about 6 times during the Bengals game, but only took two.

If there is one thing he has done, its elude rushes.

[Urrymonster]

Serious question...

Have you watched any of the preseason games?

He could have gotten sacked about 6 times during the Bengals game, but only took two.

If there is one thing he has done, its elude rushes.

Yeah I didn't write that at all well and looking back I am not sure how it escaped an edit...

Basically what I meant was that he can evade the pass rush, but it's not like they can't get to him at all. Even the narrow misses take their toll as he will see his internal clock speeding up every time.

Whilst I do know his exclusivity has been a significant upgrade (thats an understatement) some on this board were essentially claiming DBs wouldn't be able to take him down and everyone would have to wrap him up. That isn't that case. He's bigger and quicker, but his footwork isn't getting him out of trouble, just his scrambling ability. If he could get the footwork of someone like Rodgers, then we can call him buying time in the pocket rather than scrambling to get out the pocket.

[PantherBrew]

Yeah I didn't write that at all well and looking back I am not sure how it escaped an edit...

Basically what I meant was that he can evade the pass rush, but it's not like they can't get to him at all. Even the narrow misses take their toll as he will see his internal clock speeding up every time.

Whilst I do know his exclusivity has been a significant upgrade (thats an understatement) some on this board were essentially claiming DBs wouldn't be able to take him down and everyone would have to wrap him up. That isn't that case. He's bigger and quicker, but his footwork isn't getting him out of trouble, just his scrambling ability. If he could get the footwork of someone like Rodgers, then we can call him buying time in the pocket rather than scrambling to get out the pocket.

Understandable, I think you are basically referring to pocket presence. And, I agree that it is crucial for a QB to posses this ability if he is going to be elite. However, I do not think Cam has had a chance to display this since the first game of preseason.

With the O-line struggles, namely the interior line, Cam has been forced to backpeddle and roll out of the pocket, as opposed to moving around and stepping into his throws.

I want to get a true evaluation of Cam, with a decent O-line performance both run blocking and pass blocking.

[footballisasport]

I dont think starting Newton is the answer. I think he is a great option for the future of the franchise but I think if we start him all year he might go off the deep end if he is not immediately successful like Vick was (Vince Young).

I didn't realize that Mike Vick was immidiately successful? Didn't he turn Pro back in the early 2000's and is now achieving success after joining the Eagles?

And why isn't Cam being judged as Cam? Why is he always be compared to other black QBs with their own personal issues? I am so sick of the silly VY comparison. First off, VY behavior was, as usual over exaggerated by a drama loving media. So he got angry and lost it, so what. What the heck does that have to do with Cam and why is everyone assuming Cam is going to be just like him? Cam has more than proven that he has mental toughness. But it's sad many of u are intentionally picking him apart and intentionally putting so much pressure on him with ur extreme paranoia just to get him to a breaking point so u can then say..See, he's just like VY.

I don't recall any of these other QBs Pro or other wise, who have had a not so good preseason so far, have their every move and decision making skills questioned and pick apart like this kid.

Ur expecting so much from a kid playing on a team that can barely protect him. Ur now doing to Cam what u did to Clausen.

[panthers55]

Agree with your assessment of Clausen because we have enough info on him from last year and this preseason to make a judgement about his ability and readiness to play.

Don't really agree that we have seen enough of Newton to evaluate whether he should start or not. You first say he regressed in his throwing motion and ability based on about 6 or 7 passes he threw off his back foot of which 3 or 4 weren't pressured. Secondly backfoot or not, were they thown wildly over the receiver's head, in the ground 10 feet in front of him or hit them in the body. And how about those throws he threw off his front foot? Accurate or still in the dirt or 10 feet over the receiver's head? It is clear that you have said all along he shouldn't start and have said that before the first preseason game. So it is no surprise that you came to the same conclusion after watching him play. You saw what you expected to see through the filter of he is not ready.

On the other hand, the coaches and other staff say that they see great progress and that he is doing well at this point. So is that coach's speech for we are going to play him anyway so we are going to talk him up, we actually do see progress and see more than you do in front of your television screen, or something else.

As for the liklihood of getting hurt running forward versus sitting back in the pocket, I would disagree wholeheartedly. He is a lot more likely to get hurt getting hit from his blind side by a 300 lb linemen while he is throwing the ball largely defenseless versus running with the ball and having the option of running out of bounds, sliding, or simply moving laterally at the last minute to avoid direct contact. Yes he will have to learn how to do it but some great runners like Walter Payton were not big backs but lasted so long in the league because they learned how to avoid direct hits so most of the time he got glancing blows.

As for Anderson, I agree that you can't say much given he has played so little. I did think he would be the starter but apparently the staff don't think much of his ability or he would get more playing time.

[CRA]

You do realise that Derek Anderson is also a Pro Bowler?

Doug Floutie was a part time starter the year before SD brought him in with Buffalo, so Flutie had achieved nothing for SD nor had he had a great career up till this point (went to the pro bowl 3 years prior). The only reason he would have started and remained starter in 2001 was to provide Brees time to sit and learn.

Drew Brees achieved his first pro bowl the year Rivers was drafted AND up till this point had achieved season QB ratings of 67.5 and 76.9 - he had achieved nothing when Rivers was drafted. Again, the only logical reason to continue with Brees would be to allow Rivers time.

You assessment is lacking in accuracy and somewhat amusing considering the Flutie situation is actually very similar to Anderson's.

I am starting to believe you see this guy as superman or something. He WILL get hit, all elusive QBs do simply because they can hang on to the ball for longer than most QBs.

He's already been taken down a few times and he hasn't really showed an ability to escape pressure.

Freeman got sacked a shade over once a game and had a flying Antonio Bryant that year, that is miles better than what we can offer.

It isn't, but neither is it right. Every QB will require a unique way of coaching and exposure to game time before being ready. Due to what Cam needs to work on, I personally believe he will make much quicker and long lasting progress by not being placed into pressure situations. I view footwork and technique issues much like adjusting your swing in golf. The practice rounds are fine because the adrenaline isn't pumping and you have time to go through all your swings checks. As soon as you tee up for real, you don't have the ability to control your excitement or frustration as well as not having all the time in the world. Now magnify this unbelievably in the NFL...

I can guarantee you that it is almost impossible to play instinctively whilst still making technical adjustments, because to ensure you are doing the right things you have to think about them. This slows your decision making down. For proper technique and footwork it HAS to become muscle memory before being placed into high pressure situations - otherwise you just revert to instinctive actions.

Yes, I acknowledged early in the thread techincially DA was a pro bowler...but I also stated that (outside of Clausen who has being a rookie as his defense) he was the worst starting QB in 2010. That makes him a different type option than those other teams had.

Floutie was a savy vet at that point in time....totally different than where Anderson's career currently is (again, referencing 2010 when he was the worst QB not named Clausen).

Floutie was 21-9 as a starter (Buffalo) the 3 years leading up to when he got the nod over a rookie. How is that similar to where DA is considering he was the worst starting QB in the NFL that was not a rookie last season

Brees going to the Pro Bowl Rivers' rookie year again confirms they had MUCH better options that starting the rookie. Nothing to suggest Clausen nor Anderson have that in them.

fact are facts, those teams have better options than throwing a rookie out. Flutie and Anderson were not comparable at the point we are talking about.

Carolina SHOULD be able to provide more than Freeman got.....Carolina has more talent.

Tom Brady can get forced into skipping balls and throwing off his backfoot......muscle memory ain't gonna come into play when an opposing defense is all in your backfield impacting poor QB play.

Never implied Cam was superman.....just there is no one on the roster that makes sense to start ahead of him. Wish it wasn't that way....but the roster dictates he should start.

[iluvdapanthersyo]

I agree that Cam needs coaching more than experience right now

[brandon_87]

First impression: we got better

Current impression: who wants to trade up to get next years first pick and how bad can we rape them?

[Mr ocho nueve]

First Impression: We got Swag!

Current: Im not sure if swag can win us games.

[Urrymonster]

Yes, I acknowledged early in the thread techincially DA was a pro bowler...but I also stated that (outside of Clausen who has being a rookie as his defense) he was the worst starting QB in 2010. That makes him a different type option than those other teams had.

Floutie was a savy vet at that point in time....totally different than where Anderson's career currently is (again, referencing 2010 when he was the worst QB not named Clausen).

Floutie was 21-9 as a starter (Buffalo) the 3 years leading up to when he got the nod over a rookie. How is that similar to where DA is considering he was the worst starting QB in the NFL that was not a rookie last season

Brees going to the Pro Bowl Rivers' rookie year again confirms they had MUCH better options that starting the rookie. Nothing to suggest Clausen nor Anderson have that in them.

fact are facts, those teams have better options than throwing a rookie out. Flutie and Anderson were not comparable at the point we are talking about.

Carolina SHOULD be able to provide more than Freeman got.....Carolina has more talent.

Tom Brady can get forced into skipping balls and throwing off his backfoot......muscle memory ain't gonna come into play when an opposing defense is all in your backfield impacting poor QB play.

Never implied Cam was superman.....just there is no one on the roster that makes sense to start ahead of him. Wish it wasn't that way....but the roster dictates he should start.

Not all of those were commenting towards you, hence why it seems that you never referenced them!

I am going to have to disagree about Flutie and Brees. In both cases the QBs had done nothing for their respective teams, Flutie having not played and Brees posting a ~67 rating the prior year. In hindsight, yes they were in theory the better option, but pre-season there would have been little attachment to either player.

In Flutie's situation, he had only started approximately 40 games - much like Anderson. In addition both had one good season surrounded by mediocrity and poor seasons. Teams can win despite their QBs, are you going to make the same argument if Jake Delhomme were still here?

Brees was not the long term answer and had played poorly in the two seasons (he sat because of Flutie in year 1) and Rivers was drafted to replace him. There was no attachment to Brees and he had done nothing to show he was capable of winning games for SD.

Like I say, I disagree with your assesment. I feel you are sticking to your guns to prove a point. The coaches made the right call in letting these guys sit, but it wasn't because there was an immediate upgrade on the roster already. In just seems that way looking back now beause we know what the results are.

[Miaoww]

Exaaaaaactly! Patience is a virtue.

Exactly, which is why everyone shouldn't be clamouring for the rookie QB to start.

[Double34Trouble28]

IMO neither argument in this thread is right or wrong. Either you're gonna do what it takes to succeed or you are not. Maybe some guys learn better by sitting and watching. Maybe some guys develop better by starting from day one and experiencing what they will see for the rest of their career. There are a number of examples that coincide with each way of approaching this situation.

I understand we are discussing this because we all want our opinions known and it is great to read, but we must realize that the decision has already been made. All signs point to Cam starting week one-seventeen unless he is injured or something completely unexpected occurs. Just because he starts week one doesn't mean he stops practicing during the week. They can still work on his mechanics during the week. Cam said himself that he feels his biggest issue right now is trusting his decision making, you can't learn that from holding a clipboard.

Cam will run, and Mr. Scot is right he better learn how to slide because even if he continues to develop as a pocket passer, running is a part of his game that will be utilized forever. Of course we are all speculating at this point, but I really think we will all get a better grasp on how Cam will do THIS season once we see the approach Chud is taking with play calling. Mixing things up and keeping defenses off balance is always important, but when you have a dual-threat QB it's much more important. Can you see Cam playing a whole season under Davidson's play calling? That isn't using his strengths. I hope that beginning with AZ we will see rollouts, gadgets, and different types of running plays so we are dictating what the defense does and not the other way around. Cincy was able to load the box because it was either run, or a simple drop back pass for the most part. Get Cam on the edges with a pass/run option, this is the best way for him to be successful. Either his mechanics will improve or they won't. He has shown himself to be a hard worker and a huge competitor, which is why I'm in favor of him starting Wk 1.