Newton's only played 18 NFL games, but the "ceiling" question is already relevant. |
We all knew there was something special brewing when Cam Newton put together one of the most dominating, scintillating and awe-inspiring Heisman (and National Championship) runs in recent memory. But no one really knew what kind of NFL career that would translate into. Like always there were the skeptics, knocking on his throwing mechanics, saying that he relies on too heavily on his innate athleticism. There were some people just saying he'll fall victim to the same problems Vince Young, Troy Smith and Pat White did; their styles weren't tailored for the NFL game.
Yet two games into Newton's sophomore campaign, we've seen him show the balance of athleticism, pocket presence and just sheer ability that makes up the package of a superstar quarterback. While he hasn't entered the house of elite quarterbacks (Brady, Rodgers and Brees), he's right on their doorstep and with one more captivating season, he'll start knocking on that door. Those three have a presence out there that is, at times, is so unstoppable and so contagious that it spreads to their teammates like a wildfire. Newton is starting to harness the vital ability of making his teammates better. That's because he is a student of the game, a guy far smarter than the young man they originally nicknamed "Scam" Newton.
Since day one of his NFL career, back in the oh-so-forgettable lockout days of last summer and maybe even dating as far back as his first NFL interview, Cam said and did all the right things. He seemed intelligent, composed and for better or for worse, he looked like a confident man. There wasn't a boyish or punk attitude that could be attributed to most first-year players, it was a man on a mission, dare I say he was an instantaneous professional. Funny to think Newton would come in so publicly and mentally polished with his father who had committed multiple poor decisions. But the most important trait we've learned from Newton then and continually through the last year and a half is that he is a quick learner and that is where the question arises; just how high is this guy's ceiling?
We know that the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is a mammoth on the field at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds with a pair of legs that turns him into a freight train in the open field. His lateral ability is absolutely freakish for his size and believe it or not, Newton actually carries the ball like a running back, lowering his shoulder to any oncoming linebacker or d-back. So the athlete side of his game has been clearly displayed. But, as good quarterbacks do and as Michael Vick has learned the hard way, pocket presence is far more key than any other ability you have. Tucking it and running is the final resort and Newton realized that immediately when he got to the NFL. He picks and chooses his spots to take it himself, but remains far from trigger shy. But what makes his game even more pretty is his ability to stand in and take a hit instead of crumbling in the eyes of pressure. Even though he has a monster arm and can fit the ball through tight windows, he still knows how to finesse the ball over defenders shoulders. Newton's all around game is already dangerous and it's only expanding.
Killa Cam has become a top ten quarterback in only a year and a half, but where does it end? What type of final judgment be placed on this guy. If he continues on this upward trend then he's a surefire hall-of-famer, but that's one gaudy statement to make about a guy who's only played 18 NFL games. But the skill set is abundant, the mental attributes are certainly there. However, it'll all come down to whether or not he'll let the spotlight get to him. His Panthers squad isn't exactly laden with superstars, so for now he shoulders all the fame. Yet, his team is improving and somewhere in the next year or so we could see Cam Newton in a playoff game (enticing). That's when we'll start to really gauge his official Madden rating.
For now Newton's ceiling is Montana, Marino and Elway, but hidden somewhere inside Newton's DNA is the ability to surpass those guys. Will he do it? Time can only tell. For now let's enjoy his supreme talent and let Cam do as Cam only can, make some damn plays.
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