Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Cam Newton

by Jon Dove on May 10, 2011 10:00 AM EDT

More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.

Player: Cam Newton

Team: Carolina Panthers

Position: Quarterback

Competition: Jimmy Clausen, Matt Moore

Chance of winning the battle: 45 percent

Thoughts: The Panthers took a bit of a risk when they selected Cam Newton No. 1 overall. Many feel that Newton will need time and development in order to be successful. However, as I mentioned NFL rookies are receiving increasing pressure to make an early impact.

Newton will be squaring off against Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore, which will be an interesting competition. Moore started the 2010 season but was quickly replaced due to injuries and ineffectiveness. The Panthers then made the move to Clausen, a rookie who struggled to inspire confidence. Clausen's struggles played a key role in the selection of Newton as it is obvious the new regime didn't feel he could be a star. Clausen ended last season with 1 win, 3 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.

Matt Moore is an interesting story because he did show some glimmer of hope. At the end of the 2009 season, Moore helped the Panthers finish the season with a 4-1 record while compiling 8 touchdowns against only 2 interceptions. However, he struggled in 2010 and many feel that his upside is limited.

The decision makers in Carolina will have a tough choice as many will be pushing to see Newton on the field. His athletic ability might give the Panthers the best chance to win. However, the Panthers need to be careful not to damage the young quarterback. Some young quarterbacks are not used to failure and their careers were damaged by poor early career experiences.

Ultimately, I see Newton starting the season on the bench but seeing the field by Week 4. This Panthers team will not win many football games thus putting pressure on to insert Newton into the lineup. However, I do see a scenario where Newton begins the season as a starter. Neither Clausen or Moore are great options and if Newton looks good in training camp the coaches would not have many other options.

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Comments

Im 100% sure Cam beats Clausen

If Moore is healthy and doesn’t leave that would be the most competition he would have

by rscott94 on May 10, 2011 10:35 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

This isn't going to be a competition.

Cam will start day 1

Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior
Im not competitive I just addicted to winning.

by manraj7 on May 10, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

this is gonna hurt...

like watching cripples fight (no offense to the disabled)

by vitzeng on May 10, 2011 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

It's Cam's job to lose

The Panthers have never had a Franchise QB in their history. It was just never a priority for Jonh Fox and the Panthers have paid for that philosophy up to this point. Jimmy Clausen, while being touted as a pro-ready passer coming out of Notre Dame, has physical limitations (to the trained eye) as a passer, does not inspire confidence from teammates and alienates coaches . Matt Moore has some intangibles, but it obviuos that the players lacked confidence in Moore as the long term answer in 2010.

Ideally, Newton would sit unti week 8 under normal circumstances. This would give him additional time to absorb all aspects of the playbook, assimilate to the pro game from a look see perspectrive on the sideline and be free of pressure immediately miunus a full blow off-season of OTA’s, mini-camp and the various install’s that properly prepare all players, let alone a rookie QB, for the rigors of an NFL season. Cam Newton has a tough road to hoe in Carolina. Steve Smith wants out, Deangelo is out (unsigned), David Gettis is talented but young. Bradon Lafell can play some and new signee Jeremy Shockey may be on the downside of his career but is an improvement and has some juice left.

Among the many things Cam Newton has going for him -——he is talented and has deomonstrated an ability to consistently raise his play and elevate the play of those around him despite the detractors, distractions and a lack of a great supporting cast (that’s what potential NFL Franchise QB’s demonsrtate). It is these skill-sets and attributes that will serve him well in Carolina…….. as he will need them and some because the 2011 season will not be an ideal situation for the rookie to step into down there on Tobacco Road.

by Ravens One on May 11, 2011 11:54 PM EDT reply actions