The Carolina Panthers Have To Start Cam Newton
May 3, 2011 - 2:29 pm by Ryan Phillips
Now that they have invested the first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and the future of their franchise in him, some experts are saying the Carolina Panthers need to be patient with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. We wholeheartedly disagree.
While we weren’t fans of Newton’s selection at the top of the draft, now that the kid is in the fold, the Panthers need to play him. Having him sit behind (insert name of random veteran quarterback here) or Jimmy Clausen will only bury the franchise further. The Panthers need some kind of return from Newton as soon as possible, even if it is just to put people in the stands. I frankly don’t think Newton will ever become a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, but if the Panthers were looking to make a splash with the top pick rather than making a solid move, they can’t go halfway with it.
Carolina needs to instantly become Newton’s team or he’ll never have a chance to succeed. The Panthers are in the middle of a youth movement, and if another quarterback comes in and earns the respect of the roster while Newton sits, it could cause friction when it’s time for the Heisman Trophy winner to step up.
Carolina put itself in this boat by selecting Newton with the top pick. The franchise went for flash over a more solid selection. A player like Patrick Peterson, Marcell Dareus, A.J. Green or Von Miller would have made an impact right away. Taking Newton with the top pick doesn’t make sense unless you expect a return instantly.
I’m not saying Newton needs to start opening day, but planning to sit him for a year or two makes absolutely no sense. The Panthers have to see what they have, what him limitations will be and what they need to do to help him or it could be a long few years in Charlotte.
One Response to “The Carolina Panthers Have To Start Cam Newton”
I knew it. I said to myself, whoever thinks Cam Newton HAS to start for the Panthers this year probably didn’t want him to be drafted #1 in the first place. I’m glad you at least admitted it. I still feel that whoever thinks Cam HAS to start wants him to fail his rookie year just like Clausen did.
I don’t think neither Newton or Clausen should start this year. This season is a lost cause. 1) It is abnormal and reps & various camps will be shortened due to the lock-out. 2) Shortened communication and familiarity time between the team and a brand new coaching staff. 3) It is always best if rookie QB’s have time to learn from and be around a veteran QB and that includes Newton, Clausen and Pike. 3) Carolina has the absolute toughest and insane schedule in the entire league this year.
CAR should bring in a stop-gap veteran QB like a Billy Volek. I know, I saw the report that they weren’t interested but maybe that was just talk. Heck bring in Jeff Garcia for a 1-2 year contract. If the Panthers can bring in a 44 year old Vinny Testaverde to start then why not bring in a 41 year old Garcia to start and mentor?! They can find a veteran for the right price who understands his stop-gap/mentor role going in as opposed to a vet who wants to start for at least 2-3 years.
I’m not even saying Cam should sit the whole year. He should play on a several situational downs each and every game to familiarize him with the speed and toughness of the NFL but without the burden of being the starter. Just like McNabb/Vick 2009. Have Cam come in at various times would cause havoc with defensive coordinators even his rookie year. With the abnormal season and hellish schedule, starting either Cam or Clausen is a no-win situation on the field or in the locker room.
By chazatlas on May 23, 2011