Some Praise for Cam Newton: A brief detour from BHS sports to talk about one of the most polarizing players in the NFL.

Cam Neton celebrates after a rushing TD

“He just has that it factor you need to be a great quarterback in this league,” if you follow the NFL rigorously you probably have heard this expression thrown around a hell of a lot. What does it really mean to have the “it” factor as a quarterback? Well it essentially means having the make up to be a player that steps up into an elite category in the league. Apparently guy’s like Brady, Manning, Brees, and Rodgers have “it,” then guys like Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford have “it” but need a little more time to display it. Well you can add another to the list because whatever “it” is, Cam Newton has.
Cam’s ability seemed a little overshadowed this summer as we went through the whole ordeal about him taking some incentives in college. Some fans also have a perception of a running quarterback because of the flops that stereotype has produced in the past (Vince Young, and remember Troy Smith?) But the guys who knew (former players or people close to Cam) saw the raw talent he has. First you half to start with his build, 6-5 248 lbs is unreal for a quarterback (no one will be able to knock him out of a game if he works hard every off season.) On top of his size he is an incredible athlete, he can make plays other guys just physically can’t, especially with his feet. His physical attributes running down field are a huge threat for any defense. But unlike some “running QB’s” (and this is why he should not be compared with that group) the ball comes out of his hand sensationally, he has just had a strong base mechanics wise since he started playing (at least since college.) Those mechanics are what allows him to throw such a great deep ball, that size is what makes him so effective off the ground. The sky is the limit for this kid potential wise.
The trick is how was he going to perform when he had to make plays and decisions when it counted. What we have seen so far is very impressive, Cam knows that he needs to do damage with his arm, and that commitment is what let him have huge games including one against one of the best defenses in the league (the packers.) But he also is aware that his legs give him a bailout where other more traditional quarterbacks need to waste a down and throw away the ball. If you want to look at numbers he’s been more than solid, for example one of the most important stats is completion percentage. When most rookies hover around 50 percent of passes completed, Cam is just of 60 percent on the season, he’s only had a percentage below 55 twice so far. Off the ground Cam has 7 touchdowns, that’s second in the league behind Adrian Peterson. But it’s not just un-warranted scrambles, it’s using his size at the goal line to push the pile into the end zone. Cam Newton is using his attributes immensely to his advantage so far this year.
We have to be mindful that this is Cam’s first year with a team that does not have a lot of tools for him to throw to (Steve Smith is not a true big time receiver anymore.) Cam is elevating his offense to a very respectable level so far this year, and as Carolina gets better his job will get easier. Already we are seeing a connection between Cam and Brandon Lafell, if Carolina can sign or draft a guy who Cam can connect with then they will be in good shape. Becoming a winning NFL quarterback can rely on certain things to a point, but some playoff teams can be (for lack of a better term) carried to 10 wins and a playoff spot. Cam undoubtedly has the talent to do this and much more, like everything in this league only time will tell. But one thing is certain Cam Newton has officially made the “it” list.