Think Cam will keep a level head?

[Spaceballs83]

Source Foxsports Jason Whitlock

10. Cam Newton’s record-setting debut is more curse than blessing.

That is not haterade. It is fact served up as a warning to the unwitting enablers rushing in to anoint Newton as the next Joe Montana.

Let’s not crown his ass. Let’s not stunt his growth, undermine his resolve to prove his critics wrong, drown him in a bubble of victimhood. Let’s not convince Killer Cam that he’s already arrived.

He hasn’t. It was just one game against the Arizona Cardinals. Yes, I watched it. As a Newton skeptic, I was blown away. His footwork, touch, poise, throwing motion and confidence all exceeded my wildest expectations. The kid can play on Sundays. In one afternoon, he made the comparisons to The Golden Calf of Bristol seem absolutely asinine.

However, despite logging the greatest QB debut in NFL history, Newton did not stamp himself as a surefire NFL success story. In a 16-game marathon, Newton simply proved he belongs in the race. Having demonstrated the necessary tools to complete and win it, what stands between Newton and the finish line now is mental toughness, discipline and focus.

Can he ignore the voices in his head, the chorus of sycophants ready to tell him any criticism moving forward is jealousy and/or racism?

His 422-yard debut makes the next 15 games more difficult. He’s elevated expectations while simultaneously inspiring his supporters to ratchet up their desire to anoint and defend him.

There was absolutely no pressure on Cam Newton on Sunday. No one cared about the Panthers-Cardinals game. His performance in the preseason was so mundane and typical that, had Newton thrown for 175 yards, a TD and two INTs on Sunday, his debut would’ve been considered successful.

Now, however, Green Bay-Carolina is nearly as big as Michael Vick’s return to Atlanta and the Chargers’ trip to New England.

Trust me, the record-setting opening act was more curse than blessing.

Newton would be best served developing outside the spotlight, below the radar. Each week doesn’t need to be a referendum on his NFL future, a heated debate between his critics and supporters.

Again, he’s not The Golden Calf of Bristol, a tight end with an awkward and slow throwing motion, a religious symbol with a flock of followers from his college days.

To my surprise, Newton has a chance to be the real deal if he can avoid getting caught up in the hype.

I'm hoping he does. Hope the Hype will not be his downfall. Lots of pressure now with Greenbay coming to town.:lurk5:

[Mr. Scot]

I really don't see Ron Rivera allowing anybody to think too highly of themselves.

[neverlosethefeeling]

His reaction after the game tells the tale.

and +1 to what Scot said. Rivera kept talking about how much work Newton still had to do, how far he has to come, etc. Complacency is not a concern I have for this team or this coaching staff.

[Cyclonus]

I think he'll keep a level head. He's shown that he's mentally strong. If last year didn't give him a big head, I don't think this will.

[KSpan]

If he wasn't already cocky, why would he get cocky now? Yesterday was very positive, but the team still lost.

[Catalyst]

That is actually pretty spot-on.

[CRA]

Cam almost went into a mini depression after that game......and yet Whitlock thinks he is going to get a big head? Whitlock must of been struggling to write something.

Newton thrives under pressure. He showed that in college. I don't see his mental makeup changing

[Cat]

Cam's got his head on straight. He has given me no reason to think he can't handle the spotlight or pressure.

[rayzor]

His reaction after the game tells the tale.

absolutely.

he'll play as if he has something to prove and i doubt that will ever change. he wants to be great and he sees himself as a work in progress. it was everyone else dwelling on his accomplishments yesterday. not him. he was only dwelling on the fact that they didn't get a win and he was putting the blame for that on his shoulders.

he doesn't appear at all to be one who rests on past accomplishments. he only wants one thing...to win. if there is another thing he wants to do it's to be great, but by all signs he gets it that it's not the stats that will make him great. it's the wins and he's willing to do what it takes on and off the field to get there.

[smitty_89]

Did you see the look on his face at the end of the game? So sad and disappointed. If you didn't know the stats, you would think he had the worst game of his football career but he was just so disappointed because he just wanted to WIN and he knew that he could've been even better!

[footballisasport]

Source Foxsports Jason Whitlock

I'm hoping he does. Hope the Hype will not be his downfall. Lots of pressure now with Greenbay coming to town.:lurk5:

It's funny how the same folks who are always trying to dimish all of Cam's achievement in the name of pure small-minded thinking are all quick to annoint Andrew Luck the next great NFL player and he hasn't even entered the NFL draft nor step foot on the field. Funny how no one is concerned about all the unproven hype he's getting going to his head but yes, we need to constantly criticise and scrutinize Cam in fear of all his accomplishments going to his head.

[Mr. Scot]

Teams tend to take on the personality of their head coach.

With that in mind, I expect Newton to become a stoic, grumpy, angry-faced perfectionist for whom nothing is ever good enough.

[rico6]

Cam's reaction after the offense's last possession in Arizona should tell you how well he carries himself.

Whitlock is just looking for a story.

[jtnc]

No pressure eh?

You mean when those two defenders that got in front of his face and he made that throw to Lafell for a first down?