Will Cam really be ready?

[top dawg]

While trudging through Darrin Gantt's most recent snark in reference to the Panthers, I seriously began to ask myself, "Does Cam really have enough time to get prepared for the coming season?"

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/30/panthers-declare-themselves-pleased-with-cam-newtons-surgery/

I guess Gantt really got me with the "mental reps" thing. I may be being subjective, but even though I believe that Gantt was being his supremely sarcastic self, I started pondering the implications. 

First, there is always the chance that the Panthers FO and the medical staff are being optimistic with the timetable for Cam's recuperation. David Newton's article (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19039017/carolina-panthers-qb-cam-newton-successful-surgery-torn-rotator-cuff)says they're looking at 16 weeks before he's allowed to throw with the team. That's damned near the end of July. So even if that opinion is more or less correct, I don't know if that gives him enough time to acclimate himself to the impending "evolution" on offense. Of course some don't believe that the evolution is really going to happen anyway, and such a relatively short amount of time to do the actual physical reps makes an evolution look a little bit more shaky.

Secondly, mental reps are fine and all, but can Cam really work on his mechanics without throwing the ball? I don't think so. Sure, he'll start throwing about a month earlier under that scenario, but Cam can't actually work on his mechanics effectively until he gets with the team. I question whether he will have enough time to batten down on his mechanics, and we all know that that's exactly what he needs to be doing in any situation, much less a time when the offense is transitioning to one where he'll presumably be under center a helluva lot more. 

And lastly, what about just plain old chemistry. One of Cam's security blankets in Ginn is gone. That's just the way it is (not to mention Philly). So here we have a situation where Cam is likely going to need to work on his chemistry with a largely new receiving corps in like a month (maybe six weeks). Hell, he arguably only has two guys he's used to throwing to effectively, and one of them isn't even a wide receiver.

Now of course we all know that Cam is  beast. He's super, man (pun intended), but experience tells me that it's going to take time for him to become efficient in his "new" role, and the offense may come out of the blocks stumbling a little bit if the schedule for his real return is extended even a little bit.

You all know how we get off to seemingly slow starts. The recipe for success may appear to be a little stunted when the season begins, but hopefully by October we will be rolling, and that may be the worst case scenario, if not a real one, depending upon Cam's effective "recovery" time.

[L-TownCat]

I would love to wax philosophical or even prophetically but until #1 steps on the field to sling a few we just won't know.

[Dex]

Probably not but lets hope for the best.

[TheRed]

I think the issue with mechanics is a tad overplayed, and honestly unrealistic with the offense we have ran, and the often excessive role we have asked him to take as basically at times being our entire offense.

Beyond the obvious that his short passing game could use some work, I just don't think he's going to be a QB where you can compliment him constantly for having perfect mechanics. I think with improvement along the OL, which we are unfortunately hinging our season on, you will see natural improvement in that respect. But if you're looking for a complete overhaul of his mechanics, you are going to be disappointed.

As for the recovery, I think the staff is being quite optimistic. All we can do is hope. But the FO put the team in this position by continuing to play him in meaningless games. We've put Newton through the ringer all too often throughout his career here so far, people have taken his size, and sheer dominance as an athlete for granted.

[motocross_cat]

He will start week 1.  I pinky promise.

[rhyslloyd]

8 minutes ago, motocross_cat said:

He will start week 1.  I pinky promise.

He also started week 17 in a game that meant nothing.  The fact that he'll be out there doesn't address the concern as to whether he's healthy enough to play and play well.

[motocross_cat]

1 minute ago, rhyslloyd said:

He also started week 17 in a game that meant nothing.  The fact that he'll be out there doesn't address the concern as to whether he's healthy enough to play and play well.

Ok, he will be about 90%, start and play well.  We are making this more than it needs to be.  

[pantherclaw]

He'll  be ready.  As for the how fast the offense starts the season, that truly depends on the oline, and the running game. 

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, rhyslloyd said:

He also started week 17 in a game that meant nothing.  The fact that he'll be out there doesn't address the concern as to whether he's healthy enough to play and play well.

And to your point, I think that fans should temper their expectations. That's the point of this thread.

I can just imagine all the whining and complaining...

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, motocross_cat said:

Ok, he will be about 90%, start and play well.  We are making this more than it needs to be.  

You don't know that, and nothing that I suggested is really unrealistic. I suggest that you temper your expectations.

[motocross_cat]

Just now, top dawg said:

You don't know that, and nothing that I suggested is really unrealistic. I suggest that you temper your expectations.

Whats wrong with expecting that cam newton will be back week 1 and play well after a minor surgery almost 7 months prior?

[pantherclaw]

6 minutes ago, top dawg said:

 

I can just imagine all the whining and complaining...

Oh they'll  be blaming Shula,  Rivera, and of course our training staff.

 

Be prepared, they won't let us down.

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, motocross_cat said:

Whats wrong with expecting that cam newton will be back week 1 and play well after a minor surgery almost 7 months prior?

Seven months? Come on, dude. 

Most of my research says that it takes about six months on average for a partially torn rotator cuff to heal after surgery. That would take Cam pretty much through September. 

And you didn't even address the new aspects of our supposed evolution on offense, or the chemistry with basically a new receiving corps.

And on an off note, it's not like the Panthers haven't shot sunshine up our rumps before about Cam's medical status.

[Peppers90 NC]

About as ready as Bene was or even less.