After a 2-14 season, the Carolina Panthers let go of the only coach that’s ever brought them to the Super Bowl, John Fox, and brought in head coaching rookie Ron Rivera. The team’s terrible record also gave it the top pick in the NFL draft, with which the Panthers selected Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton out of Auburn. Last year, Jimmy Clausen gave no indication that he’ll ever be a competent NFL starter, and the team also brought in Derek Anderson, who has clearly shown himself to be nothing more than a backup.Is this new to you? Catch up
So essentially, the starting quarterback job is Cam Newton’s to lose, and with one preseason game to go, the team has yet to announce who will start the season opener under center. Newton has the strength of a linebacker, the speed of a big wide receiver, and NFL-caliber arm strength. The physical tools are there, and then some. The issues are decision-making and accuracy. In college, Newton was able to take off running at the first sign of pressure or good coverage, and could almost always make a play. That will not be possible so often in the NFL, and Newton will need to adjust his game.