Newton's rookie season falls short of best ever in NFL

[teeray]

Just an opinion piece on NFL.com but I thought it would be good for discussion.

What is really exciting is the fact that this is even a conversation in the first place!!! :party:

Also notice that there are no other QBs on that list!!

Is Cam Newton having the best rookie season in NFL history?

It's a good question, and worthy of debate. But Newton's 2011 debut is not a slam-dunk No. 1 at this point.

At his current pace, the Carolina quarterback would pass for 4,786 yards (that number will come down when weather starts to turn), 22 touchdowns and 18 picks, and his team would win just four games. While that would rank as the best rookie season for a QB statistically, it'd be far from the best among all players.

Some better rookie seasons include:

» Dick "Night Train" Lane, Rams, 1952: NFL-record 14 interceptions that still stands today (in a 12-game season). Closest anyone has come since is 11. 1952 Rams: 9-3

» Gale Sayers, Bears, 1965: Set an NFL rookie record with 22 touchdowns (14 rushing, six receiving, and one each on punt and kickoff returns). Gained 1,374 yards from scrimmage and had 2,272 all-purpose yards. 1965 Bears: 9-5

» Lawrence Taylor, Giants, 1982: Had 9.5 sacks, was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was an All-Pro selection, and helped the Giants go from 425 points allowed to 257. Many consider this to be the greatest rookie season of all-time. 1982 Giants: 9-7

» Eric Dickerson, Rams, 1983: Set rookie records for most rushing yards (1,808), and most rushing TDs (18). 1983 Rams: 9-7

» Randy Moss, Vikings, 1998: Had 17 TD receptions and the third-highest receiving yardage (1,313) total that season. 1998 Vikings: 15-1

» Edgerrin James, Colts, 1999: Led the NFL in rushing yards (1,553) and total TDs (17). He also finished second in all-purpose yards (2,139) and rushing TDs (13). 1999 Colts: 13-3

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823aec5f/article/newtons-rookie-season-falls-short-of-best-ever-in-nfl?module=HP11_content_stream

[Sword]

the article forgets about his rushing statistics yet adds Gale Sayers all purpose yards..Try more NFL.com

[Jbro]

I agree. Dick Lane is one of my all time favorites.

[Herb]

Cam still has 8 games to go. I think his numbers will be even more impressive down the stretch.

[teeray]

the article forgets about his rushing statistics yet adds Gale Sayers all purpose yards..Try more NFL.com

True. But it hard to get mad at an article that is suggesting he might be the greatest rookie in history.

[4Corners]

I met Gale Sayers and got a couple pictures with him during HOF weekend 2 summers ago. It's amazing to think what he could have done if not for the injury.

Brian's song FTW!

[CRA]

yeah, they kind of messed up with there logic.....Cam is on pace for 36 TDs. Can't ignore the rushing scores considering he is on pace to break the rookie and NFL record for it

[Camdemonium]

yeah, they kind of messed up with there logic.....Cam is on pace for 36 TDs. Can't ignore the rushing scores considering he is on pace to break the rookie and NFL record for it

He's on pace to have more than 28 rushing TDs this year?

[Sword]

He's on pace to have more than 28 rushing TDs this year?

QB Rushing TDs, which is 12.

[CRA]

He's on pace to have more than 28 rushing TDs this year?

7 is the rookie record for a QB, 12 is the NFL record.

He has already tied the rookie and is on pace to break the other.

[Camdemonium]

Should speak in specifics

[CRA]

Should speak in specifics

all non Cam-trolls seemed to grasp it......

[Camdemonium]

burn

[PantherBrew]

Well, QB transition is a much harder transition than any other position, arguably.

Also, for Cam to generate this type of conversation is amazing, considering the many doubters Cam had.