In sports, I’ve always been a sucker for when the going is good, it’s going to get better. In the middle of John Maine's scoreless streak a few years back, I believed he was going to be the anchor of the Mets rotation. I am convinced that Aaron Maybin has turned a figurative corner like he continues to turn actual ones, and that Toney Douglas can eventually be the premiere point guard on a basketball team. Which is why I may be jumping in front of this train instead of on it; but as of right now, I legitimately think it’s just a matter of two or three years until Cam Newton is the most dominant player in the NFL.
In the first 8 weeks of this NFL season, Newton has shown that all of his otherworldly athletic gifts translate directly to the pros with no exchange rate. He has the arm to make almost any throw on the field, the legs to run away from people, and the strength to run at them. With Manning and Brady, you marvel at their accuracy, and with Vick you marvel at his raw talent. But Cam Newton has the ability to dominate every phase of the game he chooses like no quarterback ever has.
What I didn't like about Newton coming out of college was that you really couldn't find anyone to compare him to. In many ways, the NFL is a think "outside the box" league in terms of personnel (look at how tight ends have gotten smaller and faster, starting with Tony Gonzalez).
But not with quarterbacks, where the idea of a dual threat QB has failed over and over again. Vince Young? Not enough arm strength, even worse accuracy. Michael Vick? More than enough arm strength, but not big enough to absorb getting T-boned by a linebacker. And it goes back further: Andre Ware, Eric Crouch, Tim Tebow, the list goes on and on. While they bring certain unique skills to the table, they lack other very necessary ones to be successful in the NFL.
But what it looks like with Newton is a Hakeem Olajuwon type of situation. Olajuwon's skillset for a center was something that was completely unique. There hasn't been anyone else that large with his foot work, or quick hands (ball handling and steals). Just like there hasn't been an athlete the size and speed of Cam Newton able to not only chuck the ball downfield, but capable of grasping a complex offense and thriving in it (61% completion rate through his first 8 games).
From what I've seen so far, the most accurate description of him is a cross of Donavan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger. He's Roethlisberger's height - but about ten pounds bigger - and with a slightly lower completion percentage in his rookie season. But, he already has more rushing yards through 8 weeks (319) than Roethlisberger has ever had in a season. Which would then make Newton more like McNabb, who routinely averaged 5 yards per carry during a season, and who could at times take over a game on the ground or in the air.
But McNabb didn't have a 60% passing season until his 5th year in the league, and more importantly, was constantly criticized for his inability to show up in the big moment. For all of the physical talent that McNabb had, he was missing the most important component: he never had the mental part completely down, and was prone to doubting himself and coming apart at the seams at the worst possible times. In short, he was soft.
By all indications, Newton is not built that way. If anything, he was so overconfident in the pre-draft process that it was mistaken for extreme narcissism. What NFL scouts wanted to hear is how much he knew he'd need to adjust how his style of play from college the NFL. What they got was a kid talking about how he wanted to be an icon before he even broke a huddle.
After torching the SEC (the equivalent of a league between D1 college football and the NFL) he's still the same size or larger than most linebackers, and faster than practically all of them. DeAngelo Hall admitted last week what I already assumed: defensive backs don't know how to tackle him, and don't really want to figure it out. With most quarterbacks, there’s always a tool missing, even if it’s not apparent. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are sitting ducks when the pocket breaks down. Michael Vick is dynamic, just like Steve Young was, but bounces around like a pinball when he’s hit. Cam Newton has all the tools in the toolbox, and then a few more just for show.
What Newton is, is a completely mold breaking athlete comparable to LeBron or early 90’s Mike Tyson. He's hard to tackle and confident like Roethlisberger, with McNabb's foot speed, and Bo Jackson on the goal line (3rd in the NFL with 7 rushing TDs). He’s Daunte Culpepper with actual work ethic, a clean bill of health, and experience in big games. If he pans out, you will see 10 more Drew Brees’ before you see another Cam Newton. If the Panthers surround him with a decent team, they’ll win divisions. If they surround him with a good team, they’ll win Super Bowl’s, and there’s not a doubt in my mind about it.
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