There was a time when quarterbacks picked #1 weren't expected to save a franchise right out of the gate. Often times a brand new QB would merely stand on the sidelines, clip board in hand, and take methodical notes. Since the emergence of Sam Bradford in St. Louis, those times have changed. I imagine the same kind of expectations are expected from the folks in Carolina. While I'm in no doubt of Cam Newton's potential, this will be a ruff year for the rookie.
Cam Newton needs an offense tailored to his abilities to really excel. There is no way Coach Rivera will give him the freedom to make that happen in his rookie year. NFL coaches don't get a lot of time to prove themselves, and taking too high a gamble on Cam may be too high a risk for the first year coach from San Diego. After watching his championship performance with Auburn last year, I don't think there's much he can't do. After that performance he was likened to Ray Lewis calling plays from center. He needs his coaches' complete confidence in his abilities, and time calling plays from center, but when he breaks out, it will be a spectacular performance.
Be patient with Cam Newton. Forget his modest preseason numbers, and take into account all the adversity he went through last year. This guy obviously has no problem playing under pressure.
There is a reason the Panthers are blessed with his talent; they aren't blessed with much more.
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