Newton, Gabbert debate could take interesting twist in Week 1

[pantherfan81]

For months, we heard about who would be the first quarterback taken, or whether Cam Newton will be better than Blaine Gabbert. Well, in Week 1, we might -- and that is a reach -- get our first look at both when the Panthers travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals.

Now, this is a presumptuous take on a game that should be focused more on the standout wide receivers -- Carolina's Steve Smith and Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald -- that might go through second straight seasons without an ample signal-caller to get them the ball. We're also assuming Carolina will select Newton first overall (I'm pretty sure that will be the case) and Arizona will select Gabbert at No. 5 (that appears to be more unlikely as we near the draft).

Even if those teams take those players, having both start in Week 1 with limited offseason work might be a reach. For the sake of conversation, though, let's just align the stars and have Newton facing Gabbert in Arizona.

Newton would return to the stadium where he helped Auburn win the national title over Oregon (he didn't dominate the game but definitely helped cement his stellar collegiate legacy). He'd also be facing a team that didn't show much interest in him prior to the draft. Newton would go up against a fairly vulnerable defense, but one where new defensive coordinator Ray Horton would turn defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and safety Adrian Wilson loose on a rookie QB.

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[Mr. Scot]

I wouldn't bet on that scenario.

Three teams in the top four have QB issues. Hard to imagine either guy falling all the way to five in that situation.

Possible, but unlikely.

[Marguide]

I immediately thought the same thing Wyche did when the schedule came out. If the draft worked out that way, the game could be hyped accordingly.

But after looking at our first half-dozen opponents, there is no way, IMO, that we will start a rookie QB before mid-season.

[InDaZone]

The Bills won't pass on Gabbert.

[smittyfan4life]

first post im new to this forum. i know ron rivera has been talking about bringing in a vet qb to mentor the younger qbs but if he brings in a vet that isnt as talented as newton if he we draft him i highly doubt he will play over cam in the first week of the season. He would just be there to mentor them.

[InDaZone]

first post im new to this forum. i know ron rivera has been talking about bringing in a vet qb to mentor the younger qbs but if he brings in a vet that isnt as talented as newton if he we draft him i highly doubt he will play over cam in the first week of the season. He would just be there to mentor them.

Kinda like Brunell and Sanchez.

[smittyfan4life]

exactly cuz brunell was good but he was passed his prime and did a damn good job mentoring sanchez. thats what clausen needs. Im not saying he is a tom brady or anything but he was thrown in with the lions way to early. he had no veteran to mentor him. Hopefully we can aquire palmer to help mentor clausen, matt, and if we draft a qb then cam or blaine. personally i would like to give clausen 1 more chance and draft patrick peterson to get that shut down corner that carolina could really use. Im not a big fan of a qb that runs.

[antame]

The Bills won't pass on Gabbert.

Why not? If they fall in love with him, sure, but I don't see the Bills as a team desperate for a QB along the lines of the Panthers or Cards. Fitzpatrick had a pretty good year and has shown he can play as a starter, in my view, so I don't see why they would have no choice but to reach on Gabbert (or Newton for that matter).

Cincy is probably in that situation.

[CAVSS]

Bills take Gabby and trade Fitzpatrick to us for Connor. Cam gets to sit and we still win a few. I'll take it.

[Mr. Scot]

Bills take Gabby and trade Fitzpatrick to us for Connor. Cam gets to sit and we still win a few. I'll take it.

Don't see that scenario, but I'd happily take Fitzpatrick.

(wouldn't give up Connor though)

[antame]

No kidding, Scot.

If we had an angle on a credible QB outside of the draft, I'd probably change my view as to whether we should take Newton. I have no faith in our front office to make a move though.

[Mr. Scot]

Hurney's pulled stuff out of nowehere at the last minute before. Heck, nobody saw the Chris Harris trade coming a few years ago.

Anything could happen, I suppose.

[antame]

Hurney's pulled stuff out of nowehere at the last minute before. Heck, nobody saw the Chris Harris trade coming a few years ago.

Anything could happen, I suppose.

I don't see the Harris trade as a particularly creative or ambitious move, certainly not along the lines of bringing in a starting QB; I guess you're joking.

Anything could happen, I suppose.

Probably not.

[Mr. Scot]

I don't see the Harris trade as a particularly creative or ambitious move, certainly not along the lines of bringing in a starting QB; I guess you're joking.

Probably not.

"Unexpected" was more the point. We had a need. He filled it.

But no, you won't get a starting quality QB for a fifth round pick. he'd have to be more creative than that.