Ever since the Carolina Panthers used the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft on QB Cam Newton the expectations have been raised. No. 1 picks are usually expected to contribute right away so there will be some pressure for the Panthers to start Newton from day one.
Cam Newton Can Start For Panthers Week 1, Says Chris Weinke
Former NFL QB Chris Weinke, who has been working out with Newton, thinks Newton can be a starter in Week 1.
“If he continues to work and stay focused the way he is right now, there’s no reason he can’t go in as the starter Day 1. The guy’s got as much drive as anybody I’ve seen. The misperception from outside is that he was going to be challenged by the intricacies and the verbiage of the NFL. And I have not seen that at all.”
Of course the NFL lockout factors into all of this. If football is still not being played in August or September, and there are only a few weeks to prepare for the season, it’s hard to see how Newton can become the starter. It’s not a knock on him -- it’s simply a realistic look at how much practice time he’ll need to be prepared.
If I had to predict right now, I’d say QB Jimmy Clausen will be the starter in Week 1 because I don’t see the lockout ending anytime soon. But I won’t be surprised if Newton makes his way in there shortly after that.
Check out Cat Scratch Reader for more on Newton.
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