My Pre-Season Game 1 Opinion

[CarolinaCatBrigade]

Where to start....

I loved last night. I don't know exactly what it is about Cam Newton, but when he had the ball in his hands, I felt excited. I didn't have this big fear over me that is normally like "Oh sh*t, he's going to throw the ball! Don't make a mistake! PLEASE!". Which I normally feel when Jimmy or Jake throw the ball. Cam made some nice throws. He needs to work on some of those Red Zone quick passes and footwork, but his deep balls were beautiful. Cam had great pocket presence, he just looked so comfortable, and you know what else is great about Cam? Even if the offense went three and out, he still came off the field with a giant grin on his face! He loves the game! He's going to be something special for years to come, and I honestly think he will do big things this year, and with a fantastic QB coach, and a fantasy supporting cast, he will look good.

Now lets talk about that defense! We were missing 10 total starters! 6 on defense, That's both starting DE's, that's both starting CB's, that's both Pro Bowl LB's. Yet we kept the Giants starters from getting into the endzone! Kendric Burney is a player, that guy was going H.A.M.

Armanti Edwards was a completely different player last night. He looked like Deshaun Jackson returning kicks, didn't he? Great form, incredible vision, and he was solid at WR. Every time the Giants punted I was all like "Oh poo, he can't be stopped!"

All in all, I loved last night, getting a win, watching our guys kick ass, watching the world go round. I'm psyched about Friday vs. the dolphins when we make Matt Moore our B*tch, sorry TRD. GO PANTHERS!!!!

[jopie87]

That one preseason game made me feel hope for this team. Last year sucked really bad. Newton brings hope and excitement. And the D, seeing them fly around the field and be in a constant attack mode was amazing.

The attitude of the defense is completely different, Beason is going to challenge for defensive player of the year this year.

[Davis83]

Time for me to come over to the CAM Wagon.

I was hesitant on Cams first throw - but afterwards I was much happier. Seems like he is preparing well and is not inclined to just run if the initial read is not there.

I concur totally with your post. Everyone looked excited and prepared.

Coaching was solid, play calling was fresh, players looked like they were buying into the new O and D.

I'm excited for the new season!

[bleys]

this year will have plenty of growing pains, but I felt aright being a homer...

[rico6]

Armanti was day-and-night yesterday, I was thoroughly impressed with him. He's also bulked up A TON.

[pdandy1994]

3 quick impressions:

1) Edwards looks like an NFL Returner

2) Goodson scares me everytime he touches the ball

3) The defense looked IMO great considering we didnt have like what, 8 starters?

[Montie_0123]

I have to say it felt good going to the game and not seeing Fox Ball. A new coach and a willingness to open up the offense to different looks and plays was very refreshing. I was always excited to see what the offense was going to do next and see how well the defense was going to play. I can't wait to see what we look like with everybody's back!

[micnificent28]

Was everyone as amazed as i was when cam threw that first bomb! i know they' ve said this kid has a gun but wow....the zip and distance is like nothing ever seen in panthers football history. I'm glad he's on our side.

[Jackofalltrades]

No doubt he's a specimen with a cannon for an arm.

[csx]

The fact that the defense is playing well despite missing the majority of the starters doesn't necessarily make me feel great. I'd rather have more of them, practicing more, getting more playing time and gelling. Who's to say that come the first game, all these guys getting experience together are replaced by the starters who are rusty.

I guess I'm just making the observation that the defense playing well, in one preseason game, is not the defense that will be on the field come game one.

I hate that that sounds negative, I just don't like to make too much out of pre-season.

[SuperXMSat]

I definitely feel hope for this team. Last year the offense just didn't click at all, and you could tell from the preseason. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't even think the offense reached the endzone at all last year in the preseason. So it was definitely nice to see Jimmy throw one for a TD, especially bouncing back from the INT he threw earlier. Cam looked poised and definitely has an aura about him. Although he wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and still has his work cut out for him (not throwing off his back foot, footwork, and accuracy). All in all, I'm not expecting much from the Panthers, but this year should at least be fun to watch with the young players. Last year was just torture.

[rico6]

I definitely feel hope for this team. Last year the offense just didn't click at all, and you could tell from the preseason. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't even think the offense reached the endzone at all last year in the preseason. So it was definitely nice to see Jimmy throw one for a TD, especially bouncing back from the INT he threw earlier. Cam looked poised and definitely has an aura about him. Although he wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and still has his work cut out for him (not throwing off his back foot, footwork, and accuracy). All in all, I'm not expecting much from the Panthers, but this year should at least be fun to watch with the young players. Last year was just torture.

Excellent post.

[MadHatter]

Thought Cam looked very good for his fist game.

However, I did see him bail out and throw off his back foot often....rather than stepping up. Improvement on this will come with time, but is a concern with interceptions.

He still needs work on his footwork and being under center. Again, he will improve with time.

He definitely showed flashes of just how outstanding he can be. But his consistency issues are right in line for a rookie QB.