Post by Panther on Jul 14, 2012 10:22:18 GMT -5
I don't want to lose this, I'd be MAD if I did.
Cam Newton
Let's begin...
- Pre-Draft
Newton was unfairly scrutinized by lots of people, including me. So be aware that I was a doubter of Cam, even after the first two weeks when he threw for over 800 yards. People were saying he was going to be the next JaMarcus Russell, people said he had a fake smile, people said he had off-the-field problems. All of that was lies. Cam Newton is not a bust right now, fake smile comment was just stupid, and he is probably one of the most real people in the NFL, example:
espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/43493/madden-cover-finalist-cam-newton
Seems pretty real to me.
Let's look at a Scouting Report on him pre-draft:
Re: Notes
Well, seems like a lot of that could be true or false; we really don't know. From the way he has been on and off the field, my guess is the majority of it is false.
Re: Positives
No complaints, all of it was true. But I don't know if I'd agree that he played great against Oregon.
Re: Negatives
lol… Lots of false in here. Him playing in the spread didn't effect him last year, clearly. He didn't have the greatest season passing shorter yardage, but long he was lethal (probably the most lethal in the NFL). He threw of his back foot a lot last year which hurt his accuracy, he had a few throws some games where it was bad, but not always. Making his receivers work was false, as was his spiral. Everything after that is just bad. He doesn't have a fake smile and is not a me first player, or ego, or seeking shortcuts, and he hasn't struggled to win the locker room.
Re: Summary
Pretty much all of that was wrong except the first sentence.
- Post-draft / Pre-season
Not proud of this, but I will link it up none-the-less:
www.nfl.com/fans/forums?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&plckDiscussionId=Cat%3a82d9e63e-efdf-44f0-9d81-fdf7a98b34c1Forum%3aa5c8b6fb-c408-483e-bdaf-9f9d863daeccDiscussion%3a846f1c95-4465-403d-9a6a-b756beceea5f&plckFindPostKey=Cat:82d9e63e-efdf-44f0-9d81-fdf7a98b34c1Forum:a5c8b6fb-c408-483e-bdaf-9f9d863daeccDiscussion:846f1c95-4465-403d-9a6a-b756beceea5fPost:1bfd0c97-3b49-420e-9ce4-d7c347c5ab48
Looking back, only 4 concerns me now and should of then. I was blind because I didn't want Newton and didn't want to be wrong. I am now wrong and am loving it.
- Week two
After the first two games, he was second in the NFL in passing yards with 854 passing yards to go along with 71 rushing yards, 5 TDs, and 4 INTs. All the critics were silenced. Hope was giving to the Panthers after having Jimmy Clausen lead the offense the year before.
- Week seven
This was probably my favorite week of his, he played great and we the damn-game. Newton's stats: 18/23, 256 PYDS, 1 PTD, 0 INTs, 10 ATTS, 59 RYDS, 1RTD. That's with a defense that let John Beck pass for 279 yards and Tim Hightower run for another 88.
- Week thirteen
This was the game where Cam broke the rushing touchdown record, 13 weeks into the season. Not the record for most rushing TDs by a rookie QB in a season, but most rushing TDs by a QB in a season. He was 2nd in the NFL in rushing TDs, including RBs, behind only LeSean McCoy.
- Week fifteen
Another great game for the Panthers, Cam's stats might not of looked pretty, but the job was done, and he didn't mess up in the 4th QTR, like he did other games. We beat the T.J. Yates lead Houston Texans, who made the playoffs and beat the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Week sixteen
This game was great, Newton broke the rookie passing yard record (help by Peyton Manning), he threw three touchdowns, and ran for an awesome 49 yard score. Loved this game. Cam was showing what he can do.
- Post-season
If it wasn't for Tim Tebow, Cam Newton would be the Tim Tebow in the NFL (not quite as annoying, considering he can play quarterback).
Let's take a look at Newton's career accomplishments
NFL records
Rookie Records
Most passing yards by a rookie in a game (432), September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
Most passing yards by a rookie in a season (4,051), 2011
First rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back to back games, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
First rookie in NFL history to throw for 10 touchdowns and run for 10 touchdowns in a season.
Fourth rookie quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season.
Third most pass TDs (21) in a rookie season.
Most total touchdowns by a rookie NFL player: 35 (21 pass, 14 rush).
Most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback: 706
Most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback: 14
Along with Andy Dalton, the two make the first pair of rookie QB's to make the Pro Bowl
Records
Most passing yards by a quarterback in debut game (422), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Most passing yards by a quarterback in first two games (854), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs Green Bay Packers[64]
First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sixth quarterback to throw for 400+ yards in back to back games
First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
Fastest player to throw for 1,000 yards (at Arizona Cardinals, vs Green Bay Packers, and vs Jacksonville Jaguars).
First player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games[65]
Most rushing touchdowns in single season by a quarterback (14), achieved on December 4, 2011 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Second player in NFL history with 20+ pass TDs and 10+ rush TDs in a season, Joining Kordell Stewart ('97).
First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 10+ rush TDs in a season.
First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 500+ rush yards in a season.
Had a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the same game eight times, tying the NFL single-season record - previously. accomplished by Steve Grogan of the New England Patriots in 1976 and Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings in 2002.
Carolina Panthers franchise records
Rookie quarterback records: completions (310), yards (4,051), passing touchdowns (21), completion percentage (60%), passer rating (84.5).
Franchise rushing record with an average of 5.60 yards per carry.
Longest offensive scoring play (91) to Brandon LaFell, December 24, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Second rookie to make Pro Bowl, Steve Smith in '01
First Panther to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL Accomplishments
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year
2012 Pro Bowl
Sporting News Rookie of the Year
Offensive Rookie of the Month (1x), September, nominated (4x)
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (3x), Week 4, 15, and 16, nominated (11x)
---
Stats:
BC (before Cam): Passing stats were: Last in NFL in passing yards, passing touchdowns, first downs, yards per pass, passer rating, 20+ yard plays, and 40+ yard plays (tied). Bottom five in interceptions, sacks, and completion percentage.
2011: 13th in passing yards, 13th in passing touchdowns, 18th in first downs, sixth in yards per pass, 13th in passer rating, sixth in 20+ yard passes, 15th in 40+ yard passes, 21st in interceptions, 15th in completion percentage, 17th in sacks.
espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/36168/cam-newton-at-his-best-under-pressure
***ETA***
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/7/11/3150401/the-truth-about-cam-newtons-impact-on-the-carolina-panthers
---
His strong points:
Deep passing, he has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, and has very good accuracy on deep throws.
Running ability. He is the best running QB in the NFL, considering he rarely gets hurt (one year, might be wrong). He is built big so it will take more to get him hurt and take him down. Very elusive and fast as some safeties
Wow factor. He can turn a sack into a first down, he makes plays lots of guys can't, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, none of them can do things he can do.
Upside. He is just scratching the ceiling, his is through the rough, and last year wasn't it. If he gets near his upside, he'll be in the HoF. Does he do that? "Sit back and watch the shot." He says.
Weak points:
Leadership. Towel over the head, pouted some. Should be fixed next year: sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--carolina-panthers-cam-newton-bad-teammate.html
Throwing off his back foot. He did this a fair amount last year, and a lot of his throws lead to bad plays for the offense (although one lead to this touchdown: www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d82363f0d/Newton-to-Smith-for-36-yards ).
Accuracy. This isn't major, fair amount due to throwing off his back foot, but if it gets better, watch out.
--------
What Alex Smith said about him is false, he had more passing attempts in the first half than the second (http://www.nfl.com/player/camnewton/2495455/situationalstats)
-----------
Next Season:
Will he slump or will he improve?
For slump:
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/3/5/2847651/deconstructing-cam-newton
Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford both slumped.
Against:
sports.yahoo.com/news/no-sophomore-slump-cam-newton-andy-dalton-because-011100938--nfl.html
Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford don't play football like Cam Newton does.
Stat projections for next year:
310/490 (63%), 3900 passing yards, 27 PTDS, 16 INTs. 70 carries, 450 rushing yards, and 7 RTDS.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The rest of the Carolina Panthers and why they will have a record of .500 or better:
Offense
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/4/16/2950917/wide-receivers-and-the-air-coryell-draft-prospects-current-panthers
RB: www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_AVERAGE_YARDS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_TOUCHDOWNS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_FIRST_DOWNS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_FUMBLES&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
Double Trouble is still there, whom both ran for over 1100 rushing yards in the same season.
Add Tolbert to that. www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/07/01/three-years-of-the-elusive-rating/
WR:
Steve Smith is a madly underrated WR. He's had Jake Delhomme (6 seasons), Rodney-Peete (1 season), Jimmy Clausen (1 season), and Vinny Testaverde (1 season) throwing him the ball. Stats from those QBs (career):
Delhomme: 56-40 record, 59.4 CMP %, 7.2 YPPA, 126 TDs, 101 INTs, 81.3 passer rating.
Peete: 45-42 record, 57.3 CMP %, 7 YPPA, 76 TDs, 92 INTs, 73.3 passer rating.
Clausen: 1-9 record, 52.5 CMP %, 5.2 YPPA, 3 TDs, 9 INTs, 58.4 passer rating.
Testaverde: 90-123-1, 56.5 CMP %, 6.9 YPPA, 275 TDS, 267 INTs, 75 passer rating.
Total/Averages: 192-214-1, 56.4 CMP %, 6.6 YPPA, 480 TDS, 494 INTs, 72 passer rating.
Cam Newton: 6-10, 60 CMP %, 7.8 YPPA, 21 (+14 rushing) TDs, 17 INTs, 84.5 passer rating.
Smith's totals in years with those QBs:
114 games, 620 receptions, 8884 receiving yards, 14.3 yards per catch, 52 TDS. Punt returns: 178. Punt return yards: 1652 (9.3). Kick returns: 98. Kick return yards: 2371 (24.2). 6 return scores.
Dude is a top five WR NOW. Love ya Smitty.
--
The rest of the corps is a bit murky, plenty of guys who could break out (Gettis, LaFell, Pileras), but if none do we have a gapping whole at #2. If Gettis is 100% healthy, he will be the #2 WR, IMO. If he isn't LaFell will have a good year. Both are good players, but neither are #1 WRs. Gettis broke 500 rec yards with Jimmy Clausen, something not many other WRs could do. LaFell: www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a5d0cd/article/brandon-lafell-poised-for-breakout-year-for-panthers?module=HP11_hot_topics / www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/01/17/drop-rate-2011-which-receivers-are-dropping-the-ball/
I'd give the nod to LaFell this season, but next year Gettis plays better than LaFell does next year.
TE
Greg Olsen and Gary Barnidge should both have a semi-breakout year, IMO. Olsen is a top notch receiving TE, with a knock coming from Chicago that he dropped a lot of passes, well: www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/07/03/three-year-drop-rate-tight-ends/ ... Olsen is a very good TE with Newton at QB, should have a better year than people expect.
Barnidge is a gamble, he was re-signed to a one-year contract to see if he can do anything. Barnidge was injured all of last year so we never got to see what he could do with Cam. Well, this is the year to find out. www.catscratchreader.com/2012/3/23/2897349/is-gary-barnidge-our-jimmy-graham
OL breakdown:
LT - Jordan Gross will be starting, no question. Award via en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Gross
2× Pro Bowl (2008, 2010)
First-team All-Pro (2008)
NFC Champion (2003)
Ed Block Courage Award (2010)
Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie (2003)
Sports Illustrated All-Pro (2003)
Consensus All-American (2002)
First-team All-Mountain West (2002)
LG - Amini Silatolu, rookie LG out of Midwestern State. Would of been a first round pick had he gone to a big name college with better competion. Taking in the 2nd round.
C - Ryan Kalil. Easily a top 3 center in the league, elite run blocker. 3x pro bowler and 1 time All-Pro (2011).
RG - Geoff Hangartner. He's better as a rotational player, but we have some nice backups, so he should be fine if he struggles.
RT - Jeff Otah. When he gets hurt, we have Bruce Campbell and Byron Bell to back him up. Already had swellen in his knee this off-season, I am worried.
Defense:
DE:
Staters: Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy
Rotation: Frank Alexander, Antwan Applewhite, Thomas Keiser
All players will rotate around. Johnson had 11.5 sacks without Julius Peppers accors from him, and signed a 6-year $72 mil deal the next off-season. Hardy is poised for a breakout year, now he weighs 299 lbs and only 14% body fat! www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/06/15/secret-superstar-greg-hardy-de-carolina-panthers/ ... Alexander was someone we picked in the 4th round after trading our 2013 3rd and 2012 6th round picks for him. He is a solid pass rusher from Okalahoma. Applewhite is a solid rotaitional 3-4 OLB / 4-3 DE formally with the Chargers. Applewhite didn't produce many sacks (didn't play in many games either), but got a safety and a few sacks. Keiser, and UDFA rookie, playing in eight games, got 4 sacks (second on the team). He's a good rotatioanl guy that will play a role a lot like Applewhite.
DT:
Starters: Ron Edwards, ? (McClain or Nebblett)
Rotational: Sione Fua, Terrell McClain, Andre Nebblett, Frank Kearse
Edwards will be starting with Fua backing him up and rotating with him, the only question mark is who is going to play the three-tech. McClain is a poor DT, Nebblett is better at rotating. Most likely Nebblett will be forced to start and will rotate. Might put two NTs on the line a few plays, with Fua and Edwards.
LB:
Like our DEs, there will be consiten rotation. Beason and Kuechly can play anyone of the LB spots, and Anderson and Davis will be playing on the outside. Most likely Beason, Kuechly, and Anderson will be starting with TD in rotation. In two linebacking looks, Beason and Kuechly will be on the field, because Kuechly is excellent in LB coverage and Beason is good, while Anderson is poor. Kuechly was drafted because we couldn't cover TEs, we were the worst vs TEs in the NFL last season (in yards).
CBs:
Starters: Chris Gamble, Brandon Hogan
Slot: Captain Munnerlyn
Backups: Josh Norman, Darius Butler
Chris Gamble is awesome: www.catscratchreader.com/2012/6/18/3087853/chris-gamble-is-the-most-underrated-player-in-the-league ... Hogan and Norman will batlle it out for the #2 CB spot, I expect Hogan to win it for the start of the season, but don't be surprised if Norman takes over and plays great. He made Smitty mad in camp by how well Norman was covering him (Smith). Hogan: www.catscratchreader.com/2012/5/2/2995244/dont-sleep-on-brandon-hogan ... Munnerlyn was very poor outside, but moved back in the middle playing against the slot WR he should play better.
Safeties:
Starters: Charles Godfrey, Haruki Nakamura/Reggie Smith
As long as Sherrod Martin doesn't start, our safeties should play better than last season. Godfrey played bad last season. Nakamura and Smith are an instant upgrade over Martin. All of our safeties can play either SS or FS.
Kicker:
Olindo Mare, Justin Medlock
Mare stunk last year, he was terrible.
3/5 vs Chicago, we lost by 5. (blocked 34 yard FG and 52 yard FG short)
0/1 vs Minny, we lost by 3. (missed a 31 yard FG at the end of the game)
Medlock might not make the team, he might beat Mare out for the spot. We might keep two kickers (doubtful). No one knows right now.
Punter:
Brad Nortman is a very good directional punter. He doesn't have the strongest leg but he is very accurate, which will be more helpful than a guy who can kick far in our offense. He will be an upgrade over Jason Baker, who had the worst net yardage in the NFL last season.
Return men:
Joe Adams (PR) and Kealoha Pileras (KR)
We should improve in the return game over last season. Adams is a rookie PR who is very good and quick and Pileras is a 2nd year KR who scored a TD and was very close to scoring another. Our return game will not be our strong point, but it will not be a weakness either (like last season).
Special teamers:
This was probably one of our worst traits last season. We allowed these stats last season:
27 yards per kick return allowed (3rd worst in NFL), 13.3 per punt allowed (3rd worst in NFL), and 3 total touchdowns allowed (tied for worst in NFL). We are the only team to be bottom three in each of those catogories.
Now we've added Haruki Nakamura, Mike Tolbert, and Kenny Onatolu who are all very good Special Teamers. I expect a big jump in our special team play next season.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Panthers record next year:
CAR
Week 1 @tbb - W
Week 2 NOS - W
Week 3 NYG - L
Week 4 @atl - W
Week 5 SEA - W
Week 6 BYE
Week 7 DAL - L
Week 8 @chi - L
Week 9 @was - W
Week 10 DEN - W
Week 11 TBB - W
Week 12 @phi - L
Week 13 @kcc - W
Week 14 ATL - L
Week 15 @sdc - L
Week 16 OAK - W
Week 17 @nos - L
9-7
ATL
Week 1 @kcc - L
Week 2 DEN - W
Week 3 @sdc - W
Week 4 CAR - L
Week 5 @was - W
Week 6 OAK - W
Week 7 BYE
Week 8 @phi - L
Week 9 DAL - W
Week 10 @nos - L
Week 11 ARZ - W
Week 12 @tbb - W
Week 13 NOS - W
Week 14 @car - W
Week 15 NYG - L
Week 16 @det - W
Week 17 TBB - W
11-5
NOS
Week 1 WAS - W
Week 2 @car - L
Week 3 KCC - W
Week 4 @gbp - L
Week 5 SDC - W
Week 6 BYE
Week 7 @tbb - W
Week 8 @den - W
Week 9 PHI - L
Week 10 ATL - W
Week 11 @oak - W
Week 12 SF - W
Week 13 @atl - L
Week 14 @nyg - L
Week 15 TBB - W
Week 16 @dal - W
Week 17 CAR - W
11-5
TBB
Week 1 CAR - L
Week 2 @nyg - L
Week 3 @dal - L
Week 4 WAS - W
Week 5 BYE
Week 6 KCC - W
Week 7 NOS - L
Week 8 @min - W
Week 9 @oak - W
Week 10 SDC - W
Week 11 @car - L
Week 12 ATL - L
Week 13 @den - L
Week 14 PHI - L
Week 15 @nos - L
Week 16 STL - W
Week 17 @atl - L
6-10
NFC South record predictions:
1 - Atlanta (11-5)
2 - New Orleans (11-5)
3 - Carolina (9-7)
4 - Tampa Bay (6-10)
Let's begin...
- Pre-Draft
Newton was unfairly scrutinized by lots of people, including me. So be aware that I was a doubter of Cam, even after the first two weeks when he threw for over 800 yards. People were saying he was going to be the next JaMarcus Russell, people said he had a fake smile, people said he had off-the-field problems. All of that was lies. Cam Newton is not a bust right now, fake smile comment was just stupid, and he is probably one of the most real people in the NFL, example:
espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/43493/madden-cover-finalist-cam-newton
Seems pretty real to me.
Let's look at a Scouting Report on him pre-draft:
QB-TE-ATH Cam Newton, #2 (Junior)
Auburn PFW Grade: 5.85
Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 248 | Sp: 4.58 | Arm: 33 3/4 | Hand: 9 7/8
Notes: Also played basketball as a Georgia prep. Began his collegiate career at Florida, where he signed on to play for then-head coach Urban Meyer and the Gators. Appeared in five games as a true freshman in 2007, completing 5-of-10 pass attempts (50 percent) for 40 yards with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Also rushed 16 times for 103 yards (6.4-yard average) and three touchdowns. Was slowed by an ankle injury in '08 — appeared in one contest, but ultimately redshirted (also sustained a minor neck injury in an early November car accident). Was arrested in late November and charged with felony charges of burglary, larceny and intimidating a witness, informant or victim after stealing a laptop computer from a student's dorm room and throwing it out the window when police arrived at Newton's for questioning. Charges were dropped upon his completion of a pretrial diversion program. Reportedly transferred rather than face possible expulsion stemming from three incidents of academic cheating, including two as a sophomore when he put his name on someone else's paper and purchased a paper online, attempting to pass it off as his own work. Landed at Blinn College (Texas) and won the NJCAA national championship in '09 — totaled 204-336-2,833-22-5 (60.1) passing and 108-655-16 (6.1) rushing in 12 games. Had a historic season for the national champion Tigers in '10 — 14-game starter was honored with the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell, Walter Camp and Davey O'Brien Awards after leading the SEC in rushing and total offense by totaling 185-280-2,854-30-7 (66.1) through the air and 264-1,473-20 (5.6) on the ground. Also caught two passes for 42 yards (21.0) and a touchdown. Hurt his back in the BCS championship game. Was declared ineligible for a day leading up to the SEC title game — Newton's father, Cecil, allegedly enlisted an agent "runner" to initiate a pay-for-play bidding war for Cam's commitment. It was reported that Cam's desire was to play for Mississippi State, but he allegedly succumbed to his father's decision (Auburn) based on a six-figure payment. Was ultimately reinstated after the NCAA did not find sufficient evidence to prove Cam or Auburn officials were complicit in Cecil's actions. Had a 25-1 career starting record (including junior college).
Positives: Very well-built with big deltoids and a strapping physique. Excellent arm strength — can make difficult throws off-balance while on the move and air out the deep ball, hitting receivers in stride 50 yards downfield. Throws with velocity. Composed in pressure situations and found ways to come through in the clutch. Big, strong, physical runner. Pounds defenders and can push a pile — almost always falls forward. Smooth-striding, fluid-moving athlete. Highly competitive and productive against top Southeastern Conference competition — rose to the occasion against Alabama and Oregon on the biggest of stages. Very savvy — confident, charming and charismatic and can light up a room. Highly competitive and plays with passion.
Negatives: Played in a simplified, run-first, dive-option read offense with very basic high-low reads. Worked exclusively out of the gun and was very quick to run at the first flash of coverage. Limited field vision — does not process the passing game. Inconsistent throwing mechanics with a flick delivery — generates all of his power from his upper-body strength and too often arms the ball. Streaky passer with spotty accuracy. Makes his receivers work hard and throws into coverage. Does not spin a tight spiral. Very disingenuous — has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law — does not command respect from teammates and always will struggle to win a locker room. Only a one-year producer. Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness — is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable.
Summary: An extremely talented, dual-threat QB who carried Auburn to a national title, Newton has the arm and athletic talent desired in a rollout, play-action, bootleg vertical passing game and would fit ideally into an offense such as that of the Redskins or Raiders. However, he always will test the rules, be difficult to manage and lacks the intangibles to win the trust of a locker room. Will require a very strong-willed, demanding coach to live up to his potential and avoid the trappings of fame and fortune, but even the greatest taskmaster will not be able to keep away the drama that is still swirling from a stained Heisman Trophy and littered recruiting trail that Newton left in the SEC. Can provide an initial spark, but will quickly be dissected and contained by NFL defensive coordinators, struggle to sustain success and will not prove worthy of an early investment. An overhyped, high-risk, high-reward selection with a glaring bust factor, Newton is sure to be drafted more highly than he should and could foreclose a risk-taking GM's job and taint a locker room.
NFL projection: Top-15 pick.
www.profootballweekly.com/2011/03/29/cam-newton-scouting-report
Re: Notes
Well, seems like a lot of that could be true or false; we really don't know. From the way he has been on and off the field, my guess is the majority of it is false.
Re: Positives
No complaints, all of it was true. But I don't know if I'd agree that he played great against Oregon.
Re: Negatives
lol… Lots of false in here. Him playing in the spread didn't effect him last year, clearly. He didn't have the greatest season passing shorter yardage, but long he was lethal (probably the most lethal in the NFL). He threw of his back foot a lot last year which hurt his accuracy, he had a few throws some games where it was bad, but not always. Making his receivers work was false, as was his spiral. Everything after that is just bad. He doesn't have a fake smile and is not a me first player, or ego, or seeking shortcuts, and he hasn't struggled to win the locker room.
Re: Summary
Pretty much all of that was wrong except the first sentence.
- Post-draft / Pre-season
Not proud of this, but I will link it up none-the-less:
www.nfl.com/fans/forums?plckForumPage=ForumDiscussion&plckDiscussionId=Cat%3a82d9e63e-efdf-44f0-9d81-fdf7a98b34c1Forum%3aa5c8b6fb-c408-483e-bdaf-9f9d863daeccDiscussion%3a846f1c95-4465-403d-9a6a-b756beceea5f&plckFindPostKey=Cat:82d9e63e-efdf-44f0-9d81-fdf7a98b34c1Forum:a5c8b6fb-c408-483e-bdaf-9f9d863daeccDiscussion:846f1c95-4465-403d-9a6a-b756beceea5fPost:1bfd0c97-3b49-420e-9ce4-d7c347c5ab48
Looking back, only 4 concerns me now and should of then. I was blind because I didn't want Newton and didn't want to be wrong. I am now wrong and am loving it.
- Week two
After the first two games, he was second in the NFL in passing yards with 854 passing yards to go along with 71 rushing yards, 5 TDs, and 4 INTs. All the critics were silenced. Hope was giving to the Panthers after having Jimmy Clausen lead the offense the year before.
- Week seven
This was probably my favorite week of his, he played great and we the damn-game. Newton's stats: 18/23, 256 PYDS, 1 PTD, 0 INTs, 10 ATTS, 59 RYDS, 1RTD. That's with a defense that let John Beck pass for 279 yards and Tim Hightower run for another 88.
- Week thirteen
This was the game where Cam broke the rushing touchdown record, 13 weeks into the season. Not the record for most rushing TDs by a rookie QB in a season, but most rushing TDs by a QB in a season. He was 2nd in the NFL in rushing TDs, including RBs, behind only LeSean McCoy.
- Week fifteen
Another great game for the Panthers, Cam's stats might not of looked pretty, but the job was done, and he didn't mess up in the 4th QTR, like he did other games. We beat the T.J. Yates lead Houston Texans, who made the playoffs and beat the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Week sixteen
This game was great, Newton broke the rookie passing yard record (help by Peyton Manning), he threw three touchdowns, and ran for an awesome 49 yard score. Loved this game. Cam was showing what he can do.
- Post-season
If it wasn't for Tim Tebow, Cam Newton would be the Tim Tebow in the NFL (not quite as annoying, considering he can play quarterback).
Let's take a look at Newton's career accomplishments
NFL records
Rookie Records
Most passing yards by a rookie in a game (432), September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
Most passing yards by a rookie in a season (4,051), 2011
First rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back to back games, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
First rookie in NFL history to throw for 10 touchdowns and run for 10 touchdowns in a season.
Fourth rookie quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season.
Third most pass TDs (21) in a rookie season.
Most total touchdowns by a rookie NFL player: 35 (21 pass, 14 rush).
Most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback: 706
Most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback: 14
Along with Andy Dalton, the two make the first pair of rookie QB's to make the Pro Bowl
Records
Most passing yards by a quarterback in debut game (422), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Most passing yards by a quarterback in first two games (854), September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs Green Bay Packers[64]
First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first career start, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sixth quarterback to throw for 400+ yards in back to back games
First quarterback in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in first two career starts, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[63]
Fastest player to throw for 1,000 yards (at Arizona Cardinals, vs Green Bay Packers, and vs Jacksonville Jaguars).
First player in NFL history with at least five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in his first five games[65]
Most rushing touchdowns in single season by a quarterback (14), achieved on December 4, 2011 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Second player in NFL history with 20+ pass TDs and 10+ rush TDs in a season, Joining Kordell Stewart ('97).
First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 10+ rush TDs in a season.
First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 500+ rush yards in a season.
Had a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the same game eight times, tying the NFL single-season record - previously. accomplished by Steve Grogan of the New England Patriots in 1976 and Daunte Culpepper of the Minnesota Vikings in 2002.
Carolina Panthers franchise records
Rookie quarterback records: completions (310), yards (4,051), passing touchdowns (21), completion percentage (60%), passer rating (84.5).
Franchise rushing record with an average of 5.60 yards per carry.
Longest offensive scoring play (91) to Brandon LaFell, December 24, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Second rookie to make Pro Bowl, Steve Smith in '01
First Panther to win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL Accomplishments
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year
2012 Pro Bowl
Sporting News Rookie of the Year
Offensive Rookie of the Month (1x), September, nominated (4x)
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week (3x), Week 4, 15, and 16, nominated (11x)
---
Stats:
BC (before Cam): Passing stats were: Last in NFL in passing yards, passing touchdowns, first downs, yards per pass, passer rating, 20+ yard plays, and 40+ yard plays (tied). Bottom five in interceptions, sacks, and completion percentage.
2011: 13th in passing yards, 13th in passing touchdowns, 18th in first downs, sixth in yards per pass, 13th in passer rating, sixth in 20+ yard passes, 15th in 40+ yard passes, 21st in interceptions, 15th in completion percentage, 17th in sacks.
espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/36168/cam-newton-at-his-best-under-pressure
***ETA***
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/7/11/3150401/the-truth-about-cam-newtons-impact-on-the-carolina-panthers
Yesterday Football Outsiders released their yearly almanac. As always it's an amazing purchase for any NFL fan with a penchant for advanced statistics. According to FO the Carolina Panthers improved their DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) from -35.8% in 2010, to 18.2% in 2011-- a staggering 54% swing. This wasn't just the best improvement in the NFL last year, it was the best improvement in the NFL in the last twenty years. Was some of that attributable to the coaching staff? Absolutely, but it's foolish to fail to acknowledge the primary reason was Newton.
...
The offense improved from worst in the NFL to 4th, and the defense fell from 24th in the NFL to worst-- looking for a reason why the Panthers were 6-10? That's it. You can over think it, try to look for another reason, and keep forcing a round peg into a square hole, but the reality is that Newton had no real impact on the Panthers ten losses. Could he have taken better care of the football at times? Sure, but without him every game is a blowout.
...
The offense improved from worst in the NFL to 4th, and the defense fell from 24th in the NFL to worst-- looking for a reason why the Panthers were 6-10? That's it. You can over think it, try to look for another reason, and keep forcing a round peg into a square hole, but the reality is that Newton had no real impact on the Panthers ten losses. Could he have taken better care of the football at times? Sure, but without him every game is a blowout.
---
His strong points:
Deep passing, he has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, and has very good accuracy on deep throws.
Running ability. He is the best running QB in the NFL, considering he rarely gets hurt (one year, might be wrong). He is built big so it will take more to get him hurt and take him down. Very elusive and fast as some safeties
Wow factor. He can turn a sack into a first down, he makes plays lots of guys can't, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, none of them can do things he can do.
Upside. He is just scratching the ceiling, his is through the rough, and last year wasn't it. If he gets near his upside, he'll be in the HoF. Does he do that? "Sit back and watch the shot." He says.
Weak points:
Leadership. Towel over the head, pouted some. Should be fixed next year: sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--carolina-panthers-cam-newton-bad-teammate.html
Throwing off his back foot. He did this a fair amount last year, and a lot of his throws lead to bad plays for the offense (although one lead to this touchdown: www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d82363f0d/Newton-to-Smith-for-36-yards ).
Accuracy. This isn't major, fair amount due to throwing off his back foot, but if it gets better, watch out.
--------
What Alex Smith said about him is false, he had more passing attempts in the first half than the second (http://www.nfl.com/player/camnewton/2495455/situationalstats)
-----------
Next Season:
Will he slump or will he improve?
For slump:
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/3/5/2847651/deconstructing-cam-newton
Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford both slumped.
Against:
sports.yahoo.com/news/no-sophomore-slump-cam-newton-andy-dalton-because-011100938--nfl.html
Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford don't play football like Cam Newton does.
Stat projections for next year:
310/490 (63%), 3900 passing yards, 27 PTDS, 16 INTs. 70 carries, 450 rushing yards, and 7 RTDS.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The rest of the Carolina Panthers and why they will have a record of .500 or better:
Offense
www.catscratchreader.com/2012/4/16/2950917/wide-receivers-and-the-air-coryell-draft-prospects-current-panthers
RB: www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_AVERAGE_YARDS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_TOUCHDOWNS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=2&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_FIRST_DOWNS&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?seasonType=REG&offensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&d-447263-n=1&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=RUSHING_FUMBLES&tabSeq=2&season=2011&role=TM&Submit=Go&archive=false&conference=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=null&qualified=true
Double Trouble is still there, whom both ran for over 1100 rushing yards in the same season.
Add Tolbert to that. www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/07/01/three-years-of-the-elusive-rating/
WR:
Steve Smith is a madly underrated WR. He's had Jake Delhomme (6 seasons), Rodney-Peete (1 season), Jimmy Clausen (1 season), and Vinny Testaverde (1 season) throwing him the ball. Stats from those QBs (career):
Delhomme: 56-40 record, 59.4 CMP %, 7.2 YPPA, 126 TDs, 101 INTs, 81.3 passer rating.
Peete: 45-42 record, 57.3 CMP %, 7 YPPA, 76 TDs, 92 INTs, 73.3 passer rating.
Clausen: 1-9 record, 52.5 CMP %, 5.2 YPPA, 3 TDs, 9 INTs, 58.4 passer rating.
Testaverde: 90-123-1, 56.5 CMP %, 6.9 YPPA, 275 TDS, 267 INTs, 75 passer rating.
Total/Averages: 192-214-1, 56.4 CMP %, 6.6 YPPA, 480 TDS, 494 INTs, 72 passer rating.
Cam Newton: 6-10, 60 CMP %, 7.8 YPPA, 21 (+14 rushing) TDs, 17 INTs, 84.5 passer rating.
Smith's totals in years with those QBs:
114 games, 620 receptions, 8884 receiving yards, 14.3 yards per catch, 52 TDS. Punt returns: 178. Punt return yards: 1652 (9.3). Kick returns: 98. Kick return yards: 2371 (24.2). 6 return scores.
Dude is a top five WR NOW. Love ya Smitty.
--
The rest of the corps is a bit murky, plenty of guys who could break out (Gettis, LaFell, Pileras), but if none do we have a gapping whole at #2. If Gettis is 100% healthy, he will be the #2 WR, IMO. If he isn't LaFell will have a good year. Both are good players, but neither are #1 WRs. Gettis broke 500 rec yards with Jimmy Clausen, something not many other WRs could do. LaFell: www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82a5d0cd/article/brandon-lafell-poised-for-breakout-year-for-panthers?module=HP11_hot_topics / www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/01/17/drop-rate-2011-which-receivers-are-dropping-the-ball/
I'd give the nod to LaFell this season, but next year Gettis plays better than LaFell does next year.
TE
Greg Olsen and Gary Barnidge should both have a semi-breakout year, IMO. Olsen is a top notch receiving TE, with a knock coming from Chicago that he dropped a lot of passes, well: www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/07/03/three-year-drop-rate-tight-ends/ ... Olsen is a very good TE with Newton at QB, should have a better year than people expect.
Barnidge is a gamble, he was re-signed to a one-year contract to see if he can do anything. Barnidge was injured all of last year so we never got to see what he could do with Cam. Well, this is the year to find out. www.catscratchreader.com/2012/3/23/2897349/is-gary-barnidge-our-jimmy-graham
OL breakdown:
LT - Jordan Gross will be starting, no question. Award via en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Gross
2× Pro Bowl (2008, 2010)
First-team All-Pro (2008)
NFC Champion (2003)
Ed Block Courage Award (2010)
Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie (2003)
Sports Illustrated All-Pro (2003)
Consensus All-American (2002)
First-team All-Mountain West (2002)
LG - Amini Silatolu, rookie LG out of Midwestern State. Would of been a first round pick had he gone to a big name college with better competion. Taking in the 2nd round.
C - Ryan Kalil. Easily a top 3 center in the league, elite run blocker. 3x pro bowler and 1 time All-Pro (2011).
RG - Geoff Hangartner. He's better as a rotational player, but we have some nice backups, so he should be fine if he struggles.
RT - Jeff Otah. When he gets hurt, we have Bruce Campbell and Byron Bell to back him up. Already had swellen in his knee this off-season, I am worried.
Defense:
DE:
Staters: Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy
Rotation: Frank Alexander, Antwan Applewhite, Thomas Keiser
All players will rotate around. Johnson had 11.5 sacks without Julius Peppers accors from him, and signed a 6-year $72 mil deal the next off-season. Hardy is poised for a breakout year, now he weighs 299 lbs and only 14% body fat! www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/06/15/secret-superstar-greg-hardy-de-carolina-panthers/ ... Alexander was someone we picked in the 4th round after trading our 2013 3rd and 2012 6th round picks for him. He is a solid pass rusher from Okalahoma. Applewhite is a solid rotaitional 3-4 OLB / 4-3 DE formally with the Chargers. Applewhite didn't produce many sacks (didn't play in many games either), but got a safety and a few sacks. Keiser, and UDFA rookie, playing in eight games, got 4 sacks (second on the team). He's a good rotatioanl guy that will play a role a lot like Applewhite.
DT:
Starters: Ron Edwards, ? (McClain or Nebblett)
Rotational: Sione Fua, Terrell McClain, Andre Nebblett, Frank Kearse
Edwards will be starting with Fua backing him up and rotating with him, the only question mark is who is going to play the three-tech. McClain is a poor DT, Nebblett is better at rotating. Most likely Nebblett will be forced to start and will rotate. Might put two NTs on the line a few plays, with Fua and Edwards.
LB:
Like our DEs, there will be consiten rotation. Beason and Kuechly can play anyone of the LB spots, and Anderson and Davis will be playing on the outside. Most likely Beason, Kuechly, and Anderson will be starting with TD in rotation. In two linebacking looks, Beason and Kuechly will be on the field, because Kuechly is excellent in LB coverage and Beason is good, while Anderson is poor. Kuechly was drafted because we couldn't cover TEs, we were the worst vs TEs in the NFL last season (in yards).
CBs:
Starters: Chris Gamble, Brandon Hogan
Slot: Captain Munnerlyn
Backups: Josh Norman, Darius Butler
Chris Gamble is awesome: www.catscratchreader.com/2012/6/18/3087853/chris-gamble-is-the-most-underrated-player-in-the-league ... Hogan and Norman will batlle it out for the #2 CB spot, I expect Hogan to win it for the start of the season, but don't be surprised if Norman takes over and plays great. He made Smitty mad in camp by how well Norman was covering him (Smith). Hogan: www.catscratchreader.com/2012/5/2/2995244/dont-sleep-on-brandon-hogan ... Munnerlyn was very poor outside, but moved back in the middle playing against the slot WR he should play better.
Safeties:
Starters: Charles Godfrey, Haruki Nakamura/Reggie Smith
As long as Sherrod Martin doesn't start, our safeties should play better than last season. Godfrey played bad last season. Nakamura and Smith are an instant upgrade over Martin. All of our safeties can play either SS or FS.
Kicker:
Olindo Mare, Justin Medlock
Mare stunk last year, he was terrible.
3/5 vs Chicago, we lost by 5. (blocked 34 yard FG and 52 yard FG short)
0/1 vs Minny, we lost by 3. (missed a 31 yard FG at the end of the game)
Medlock might not make the team, he might beat Mare out for the spot. We might keep two kickers (doubtful). No one knows right now.
Punter:
Brad Nortman is a very good directional punter. He doesn't have the strongest leg but he is very accurate, which will be more helpful than a guy who can kick far in our offense. He will be an upgrade over Jason Baker, who had the worst net yardage in the NFL last season.
Return men:
Joe Adams (PR) and Kealoha Pileras (KR)
We should improve in the return game over last season. Adams is a rookie PR who is very good and quick and Pileras is a 2nd year KR who scored a TD and was very close to scoring another. Our return game will not be our strong point, but it will not be a weakness either (like last season).
Special teamers:
This was probably one of our worst traits last season. We allowed these stats last season:
27 yards per kick return allowed (3rd worst in NFL), 13.3 per punt allowed (3rd worst in NFL), and 3 total touchdowns allowed (tied for worst in NFL). We are the only team to be bottom three in each of those catogories.
Now we've added Haruki Nakamura, Mike Tolbert, and Kenny Onatolu who are all very good Special Teamers. I expect a big jump in our special team play next season.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Panthers record next year:
CAR
Week 1 @tbb - W
Week 2 NOS - W
Week 3 NYG - L
Week 4 @atl - W
Week 5 SEA - W
Week 6 BYE
Week 7 DAL - L
Week 8 @chi - L
Week 9 @was - W
Week 10 DEN - W
Week 11 TBB - W
Week 12 @phi - L
Week 13 @kcc - W
Week 14 ATL - L
Week 15 @sdc - L
Week 16 OAK - W
Week 17 @nos - L
9-7
ATL
Week 1 @kcc - L
Week 2 DEN - W
Week 3 @sdc - W
Week 4 CAR - L
Week 5 @was - W
Week 6 OAK - W
Week 7 BYE
Week 8 @phi - L
Week 9 DAL - W
Week 10 @nos - L
Week 11 ARZ - W
Week 12 @tbb - W
Week 13 NOS - W
Week 14 @car - W
Week 15 NYG - L
Week 16 @det - W
Week 17 TBB - W
11-5
NOS
Week 1 WAS - W
Week 2 @car - L
Week 3 KCC - W
Week 4 @gbp - L
Week 5 SDC - W
Week 6 BYE
Week 7 @tbb - W
Week 8 @den - W
Week 9 PHI - L
Week 10 ATL - W
Week 11 @oak - W
Week 12 SF - W
Week 13 @atl - L
Week 14 @nyg - L
Week 15 TBB - W
Week 16 @dal - W
Week 17 CAR - W
11-5
TBB
Week 1 CAR - L
Week 2 @nyg - L
Week 3 @dal - L
Week 4 WAS - W
Week 5 BYE
Week 6 KCC - W
Week 7 NOS - L
Week 8 @min - W
Week 9 @oak - W
Week 10 SDC - W
Week 11 @car - L
Week 12 ATL - L
Week 13 @den - L
Week 14 PHI - L
Week 15 @nos - L
Week 16 STL - W
Week 17 @atl - L
6-10
NFC South record predictions:
1 - Atlanta (11-5)
2 - New Orleans (11-5)
3 - Carolina (9-7)
4 - Tampa Bay (6-10)