What it's going to take

[PantherBrew]

I'm really excited about the use of bootlegs that Riv talked about implementing in the presser... I can't remember what team it was, may have been the Bucs this past year that kept killing us with bootlegs to one side and runs to the other, and when we finally had it contained they started hitting us with passes. I look forward to finally having this as a part of our offense and paying back the favor.

Vick, Dunn, Duckett and their TE used to kill us with this poo.

[blackcatgrowl]

What you seem to miss is the fact he has no idea how to run an NFL offense. The FULL playbook will blow him away. His total pass count in 4 years equals almost what his total pass count will be in one season

We are not patronizing him, most it seems realize that while we needed a QB BAD, he wasn't the best talent at QB more less the best talent in the draft; talent we actually need to make us better now, not 3 years from now IF he does make it to Garrard level.

If you think for a minute that ANY QB ever drafted, even Manning, knew how to run an NFL offense the day they were drafted, you're from another reality.

That's why they have mini-camps, training camp, OTAs...

We know Newton can learn. He took a Division 1 team to the BCS and won it in a year. He did the same with a junior college. The question is if he will put in the work. Well, if you have been following the draft process, and doing your homework, you'll know he's already been working.

[Proudiddy]

Vick, Dunn, Duckett and their TE used to kill us with this poo.

Yeah I remember, but someone this year pounded us with it like no other and it just felt helpless to watch.

Although back when Vick did it, tbh, I actually never felt that scared about him running on us when he was with ATL... It seemed like we did a fairly good job of controlling that back then, especially after we got TD.

But, I'm telling you... whoever that was this year, that was really difficult to watch.

[DaveThePanther2008]

PATIENCE:

REALISM:

DIPLOMACY:

A PLACEHOLDER:

LUCK (NOT THE QB):

WEAPONS:

DISCIPLINE:

Bottom Line: There's a lot that could go wrong here. Even if everything listed here happens, there are no guarantees. The team picked Newton because they believe he can be a franchise quarterback. Here's hoping they're right. But even if they are, the road to get there won't be an easy one (and no one should expect it to be).

All the above... Great post.

Too many people want to think that because Newton is a 1st rounder and the #1 Pick that he should start day #1.

And usually a #1 Pick should start. But as you said we need patience and time to develop Cam. If he starts in 2011 then we have some serious issues elsewhere and probably is not a good idea anyhow. If he learns the system, the formations and the plays then maybe. I just don't see that happening.

Bottom line though a #1 pick we will not treat his as a #1 but more like a 3rd. Groom and coddle till he is ready.

[Sword]

What you seem to miss is the fact he has no idea how to run an NFL offense. The FULL playbook will blow him away. His total pass count in 4 years equals almost what his total pass count will be in one season

We are not patronizing him, most it seems realize that while we needed a QB BAD, he wasn't the best talent at QB more less the best talent in the draft; talent we actually need to make us better now, not 3 years from now IF he does make it to Garrard level.

well he did pass their playbook test with flying colors..in case you didn't read that in the Pat Y article on espn

[Mr. Scot]

Yea but why so much?

Because no transition from college to pro is tougher than the one at quarterback.

Like I said, there are a million ways to fail. Guys that were superstars at the college level flop at the pro level on a regular basis, and pretty much no two stories are the same.

This isn't gonna be an easy path.

So you watched the 20 minute interview with Rivera and Hurney? If not, you should. They cover almost all of what you're saying.

Haven't watched much of anything yet. Loads of catching up to do.

I can't remember the last time I missed the start of a draft. Tonight is just one of those times when real life took precedence.

[Mr. Scot]

As always I enjoy your unbiased assessment. I know you did not want a QB and to put all that behind you is somewhat amazing. Not many can do that for what its worth.

I've got about sixteen years practice at getting behind draft picks I didn't like.

Honestly, I don't think it's going to be as tough for many as people think.

[HPPantherzfan]

If you think for a minute that ANY QB ever drafted, even Manning, knew how to run an NFL offense the day they were drafted, you're from another reality.

That's why they have mini-camps, training camp, OTAs...

We know Newton can learn. He took a Division 1 team to the BCS and won it in a year. He did the same with a junior college. The question is if he will put in the work. Well, if you have been following the draft process, and doing your homework, you'll know he's already been working.

Its a known and proven fact that QB's that come from the spread offense such as Cam NEVER pan out in the NFL...so if you do your home work you will also realize this

BTW, while you are doing homework...look at the last few Heisman trophy winners to see which one was the last to make the pro bowl.

Here let me help:

"Well since 1992 Heisman Trophy winners have struggled mightily in the NFL. Some have never played a down in the NFL. No Heisman Trophy winner since 1992 has won a Super Bowl, or been named conference, or NFL player of the year. Also, only four players have played in a Pro Bowl. Just two players have been named rookie of the year and taken All-Pro honors."

Some of you really don't get it at all

Makes me a sad panda!

[Mr. Scot]

I'm confident he'll succeed...

I'm not, but Hurney and Rivera are.

They do this for a living, so I'd like to think they know better than I do.

(it'd be pretty disappointing if they didn't)

[PantherBrew]

Yeah I remember, but someone this year pounded us with it like no other and it just felt helpless to watch.

Although back when Vick did it, tbh, I actually never felt that scared about him running on us when he was with ATL... It seemed like we did a fairly good job of controlling that back then, especially after we got TD.

.

Yeah we finallly slow them down when we got TD, but they beat us a combined 71-0 one year.

It was the stretch bootleg crap. Mike Rucker was helpless.

[Mr. Scot]

Its a known and proven fact that QB's that come from the spread offense such as Cam NEVER pan out in the NFL...so if you do your home work you will also realize this

BTW, while you are doing homework...look at the last few Heisman trophy winners to see which one was the last to make the pro bowl.

Here let me help:

"Well since 1992 Heisman Trophy winners have struggled mightily in the NFL. Some have never played a down in the NFL. No Heisman Trophy winner since 1992 has won a Super Bowl, or been named conference, or NFL player of the year. Also, only four players have played in a Pro Bowl. Just two players have been named rookie of the year and taken All-Pro honors."

Some of you really don't get it at all

Makes me a sad panda!

Not quite true. First off, "spread offense" is a pretty broad term (there are different kinds) but more than that, not all the transition stories ended in failure. The whole Heisman/NC thing is valid, but it's not a guarantee of failure any more than a guarantee of success.

Make no mistake. Coming from a college spread offense does make the process tougher, but it doesn't make it impossible.

[teeray]

Just a small complaint here. But can all the posters with college players that have been drafted to other teams already please change their avatars?? Green is a Bungal now.

[blackcatgrowl]

Not quite true. First off, "spread offense" is a pretty broad term (there are different kinds) but more than that, not all the transition stories ended in failure. The whole Heisman/NC thing is valid, but it's not a guarantee of failure any more than a guarantee of success.

Make no mistake. Coming from a college spread offense does make the process tougher, but it doesn't make it impossible.

Exactly.

Man... it feels like things might get back to normal around here (whatever the hell that really is).

[HPPantherzfan]

Not quite true. First off, "spread offense" is a pretty broad term (there are different kinds) but more than that, not all the transition stories ended in failure. The whole Heisman/NC thing is valid, but it's not a guarantee of failure any more than a guarantee of success.

Make no mistake. Coming from a college spread offense does make the process tougher, but it doesn't make it impossible.

Not saying it is a guarantee, just pointing out the facts. Looking back, at history, we made a terrible mistake with this pick. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it.

For everyone else acting like we will have some incredible 3 back running option now like Vick and ATL keep this in mind.

40 yard dash times:

Cam Newton - 4.59

Jimmy Clausen - 4.74

Michael Vick - 4.34 (clocked as fast as 4.25)

Cam is much closer to Jimmy and Big Ben in 40 yard dash times than he is to some double threat person like Micheal Vick!

Accuracy is mediocre at best, isn't that fast, doesn't seem all that smart (don't know this for sure just listening to him), etc

Again, I just don't see what the fuss is about this guy!

Anyway, good luck Cam!