Newton: "It's About Trusting The System"

[BountyHunter]

Look at the names in our QB history. Our fanbase had the lowest standards when it comes to QBing up until NOW. How many castaways and undrafted FA's have we put faith in? Bringing in Cam has made us demand more from the position, and I think thats a good thing. Our investment already at work.

We hold Cam to a higher standard because of the position we drafted him in. Being the #1 overall pic brings a certain expectation from the fanbase. Some expect seamless, immediate results. Others, like me, know that QB requires alot of preparation and experience that only time can give. Cam(and all the other rookies) didn't have the opportunties that other rookies had because of the lockout. Because if this I've lowered my expectations and have tried not to nitpick every little facet of his performance so far. That being said, I do expect improvement over the course of the season.

I compare the scrutiny of Cam to Julius Peppers. JP was taken #2 overall and was a fine DE that played very well. But he was criticised here for his lack of leadership and sometimes lacadaisical play. If we had taken JP in the middle of the round or later, I doubt that fans would be as harsh.

[CRA]

I was discussing this with a family member this morning. Most QBs in the league aint traditional or dont excel at it. There's only a handful of guys who do. If the NFL were less rigid and more accepting of new ideas you'd stop having these expectations that every QB gotta be this super cerebral break down coverage type dude that only about 3-4 guys in the league are.

I don't disagree.

Having a Peyton or Brady would be nice.....but few can play the game in that manner.

Nothing wrong w/ having a Cam Newton type QB. You just need to play the game the way it suits him. You need to realize that instead of having a team that relies on a QB like Indy does (Manning literally IS the team)....that other players have to do there jobs as well.

Newton creates absurd mismatches.....will be a shame if they think they need to convert him to more of a traditional pocket passer. He will of been a wasted draft pick IMO. So far it the preaseason I have seen little of them trying to take advantage of the mismatches he brings to a NFL field......hopefully that changes when it isn't just practice games.

[panthers55]

You cannot make total evaluations from the preseason. But, yes.....it does count.

Cam has played very poorly this preseason. If you think that he will magically change come the regular season, you are kidding yourself.

As I have said many times before, I think Cam will be good.....in fact very good. But it is NOT going to be anytime this season. He is too raw and too much of a project.

Actually if you look at his history there is lots or room for optimism. When he got to Auburn and was learning a new system he was very raw. Look at his first 3 or 4 games during his Auburn season versus the last 4 or 5 games. There is a big difference. I think you will see the same thing with the Panthers. His play the second half of the season will be better than it is the first half. By next year it will be night and day.

Honestly if you stop looking at completion rates and look at how much better he is reading the field and going through progressions and running when he needs to, he has made quite a bit of progress in three weeks already. If he continues to do the same there is every reason to believe he will and the team will be much better after the bye compared to before it.

[MadHatter]

If you think the whole damn team hasn't played poorly in the preseason you're kidding YOURSELF. It's not like we went to the playoffs last year, and now we all suck because of Cam.

Never said that the whole team has not played crappy....they have.

There are guys on the squad that will start (Bernardeau, Fua, McClain, etc..) that I think have a ton of potential but are not ready.....just the same as I feel about Cam.

How many times do I have to say that I am not bashing Cam. He is actually performing better at this stage than I even thought he would. He has tons of potential, and I believe will end up being very good. That does not change the fact that he is a major work in progress....which is not a bad thing. I am not writing the guy off by any stretch of the imagination....just unbiased enough to understand that his footwork needs A LOT of work and he is not ready.

[MadHatter]

Actually if you look at his history there is lots or roon for optimism. Wheh he got to Auburn and was learning a new system he was very raw. Look at his first 3 or 4 games during his Auburn season versus the last 4 or 5 games. There is a big difference. I think you will see the same thing with the Panthers. His play the second half of the season will be better than it is the first half. By next year it will be night and day.

Honestly if you stop looking at completion rates and look at how much better he is reading the field and going through progressions and running when he needs to, he has made quite a bit of progress in three weeks already. If he continues to do the same there is every reason to beleive he will and the team will be much better after the bye compared to before it.

Unless you can actually complete the pass, making the correct read is pretty much worthless.

[Kurb]

Bernadue has sucked at RG for almost 2 season now.

I like the kid, but he has GOT to step up.

[CRA]

Unless you can actually complete the pass, making the correct read is pretty much worthless.

actually for a player as young and with so little time to get adjusted to a scheme.......it really isn't worthless.

[GritsRgreat]

Bernadue has sucked at RG for almost 2 season now.

I like the kid, but he has GOT to step up.

Very true Kurb. And why hasn't the coaches seen it?

[footballisasport]

Look at the names in our QB history. Our fanbase had the lowest standards when it comes to QBing up until NOW. How many castaways and undrafted FA's have we put faith in? Bringing in Cam has made us demand more from the position, and I think thats a good thing. Our investment already at work.

By the attitude of some, Cam's problem cannot be fixed because it's not a cause/effect situation, it's clearly naturally bad mechanics on his part. Where and how they came to that conclusion, only God knows.

Demanding more and acting like one knows why a QB is doing something are two different things. There is a fine line between discussing what might be the problem and acting like one knows what the problem is.

[jtnc]

Never said that the whole team has not played crappy....they have.

There are guys on the squad that will start (Bernardeau, Fua, McClain, etc..) that I think have a ton of potential but are not ready.....just the same as I feel about Cam.

How many times do I have to say that I am not bashing Cam. He is actually performing better at this stage than I even thought he would. He has tons of potential, and I believe wille nd up beign very good. That does not change the fact that he is a major work in progress....which is not a bad thing. I am not writing the guy off in any stretch of the imagination....just unbiased enough to understand that his footwork needs A LOT of work and he is not ready.

Okay see we had a misunderstanding there, now I have decided to wait and see the final preseason game against the Steelers to see if Cam is ready, Otah should be playing so that will provide some sort of stability on the offensive line.

1. Cam get his completion percentage around 50 percent

2. Throw a touchdown in the game

3. Step INTO his throws

If he is able to do these three things above, I believe he will be ready. Rational stats for this year if he starts, 15 touchdowns, 16-18 interceptions.

[panthers55]

Unless you can actually complete the pass, making the correct read is pretty much worthless.

Exactly the opposite. First you make the read then you make the throw and complete the pass. One follows the other. If you find out why you are not completing the pass like throwing too late you make the adjustment. But if you don't make the right read you will never complete the pass. So making the read is a precursor to completing the pass and has to be done everytime whether you complete the pass or not.

[MadHatter]

actually for a player as young and with so little time to get adjusted to a scheme.......it really isn't worthless.

I am pretty happy with how he has progressed. He has improved in his short time here.

However, that does not change the fact that he is nowhere near ready to start.

If he were a late round pick and performing like he has, he would be in jeopardy of even making the team. Starting him just because you picked him high is a bad decision in my book.

I am still a believer that we would be better off starting DA for 5-6 games and then evaluating the situation.

If DA is struggling....make the move the Cam and not look back.

If DA and the team are playing well.....stay with DA for the season and let Cam continue to develop.

By going to Cam right away even though he is struggling, you leave yourself no options.

[Tarheels23]

If you actually listened to the interview, you'll realize Cam is saying exactly what the coaches has drilled in his head, so these aren't exactly his words, these are the words of our coaching staff. So in essence, if you disagree, take it up with Chud and Shula

This kid is so coachable, and we're seeing him mature right in front of our eyes. I love it!

[MadHatter]

Exactly the opposite. First you make the read then you make the throw and complete the pass. One follows the other. If you find out why you are not completing the pass like throwing too late you make the adjustment. But if you don't make the right read you will never complete the pass. So making the read is a precursor to completing the pass and has to be done everytime whether you complete the pass or not.

I agree with what you are saying.

But, if you can't complete the pass.....you are not an effective QB on the field.

I am very, very happy he is making the right decisions. That is usually the part that bad QB's struggle with. Gives me a ton of hope in Cam.

But, that does not change the fact that he needs time and work to improve the mechanics and ability to actually complete the pass. I am not writing him off....just am willing to accept that he still needs a lot of work and time.

Some people believe in throwing a young QB out there and see if he can sink or swim. Some believe in letting him develop before you throw him out there. Which is right? You never know. There are success stories and massive failures going either direction.

All you can do is make a decision and pray like hell that you made the correct one.