Just My Thoughts on Cam and other Things...

*

Cam is #1!

*

I can see the logic in the Panthers naming Cam Newton as starter day on. It will create some excitement, they are paying him a lot of money, and no one on the team has looked a lot better than Cam(which is sad). I have been very public that I have my doubts about Cam ever being a top notch NFL quarterback, but this move may really hurt Cam's progress. Newton is not Peyton Manning or Matt Rayn, Cam is a project, at best. Cam needs time to develop his raw ability. I keep hearing some voices from the ESPN hype machine talking about how great Newton looks. I can't figure out what games they are watching. Last game Cam completed only 50% of his passes, 7-14. Five of those completions were to tight ends and the other two were dump offs. Cam Newton has played two halves of NFL football and has yet to get the Panthers into the end zone. Cam has shown some raw ability, stands tall in the pocket, has a cannon of an arm, and a million dollar smile. Cam flashed this smile after his helmet was knocked off by a Miami Dolphins defender. Cam did not get a first down on that run, but maybe he learned a lesson that running QBs don't get the job done in the NFL. Cam also has looked very stiff and mechanical in the pocket. With all that said, I think it is a bad idea to bring along Cam so quickly, and if he ever had a shot for success this may kill it. I remember another athletically gifted quarterback who started a lot early on named David Carr, and we know how that worked out.

*

Today is the supplemental draft and there has been a lot of noise about another athletic QB, Terrelle Pryor. If a team is looking for value Michael McAdoo should get a look. McAdoo was forced to leave UNC this year, because of academic violations. He missed his senior year and because of that hurt his draft stock, but McAdoo is 6-7 and 250 lbs.. That is a pro-type defensive end and that should turn some heads in the NFL. If you could get him in the 6th of 7th round, McAdoo could be a real steal. The Carolina Panthers should take a hard look a McAdoo since their defensive line looked terrible last game. No matter how good or bad Cam Newton plays, NFL teams do not win many games with weak D-lines who allow running backs to dash them at the line of scrimmage.

*

What if he isn't?

*

Much has been made about how many awesome weapons have been placed around Michael Vick. I don't want to make too many predictions, but what will happen to a 31 year old Vick if he fails. Let me paint a picture of the situation. Now preseason football doesn't count for much, but even so Vick looked more than terrible in his last outing. He didn't even look like a 3rd string NFL quarterback. Vick threw for 47 yards, completed less than 50% of his passes, 3.9 yards a completion, no TDs, and three picks. With Kevin Kolb being shipped out to Arizona Cardinals, if you don't think Philly fans will watch Kolb from now on and compare the two, you are crazy. If Vick doesn't play well this season how long of a rope does he get? It will not take long for rabid Eagle fans to begin to chant for Vince Young and throw batteries. If that happens will we see the dirty birdie from the new and improved Michael Vick? Vick will have all eyes on him this year and while he has lots of help in the play making department the offensive line is another question. They did look really bad last game and that will make Vick or any quarterback's life tough. Vick has never really been that good of a QB(he has been an exciting player) and last year he was really good for only 10 games most of that against bad competition. If Vick fails this year it could be a devastating blow to his career and comeback. If Vick doesn't deliver the "Dreamteam" to the playoff it will not only be Vick's head on the block, but Andy Reed's and other team personnel, as well.

*

Some people in life just make bad decisions. You see this in sports and it is magnified by millions and the bright spot light. We all know the story going on at Miami University and the bad decisions that a lot of people around and in this program have made, but I have a side story that I remembered as all the rumors of corruption began to ooze from Miami's pores. Seantrel Henderson is a 6-8, 340-pound Left Tackle who plays for Miami. Henderson was one of the most highly sought after high school O-lineman in a decade. His gigantic size and ability is enough to make scouts on any level salivate, but here is where the bad decisions come into play. You just can't make this stuff up. Henderson first verbally committed on live TV to the University of Southern California. Henderson did not sign his letter of intent, because he was worried about the sanctions that might be placed on USC. Henderson then, at the last minute, decides to play it safe and go to the historically squeaky clean university known as the U. His father had a large role in Henderson's decision. I guess some guys just know how to pick them.

*

I know this is almost un-American to say, but I just can't watch the Little League World Series. I like amateur sports. I have been reporting on the NC Pro Am, I love college sports, and I plan to report on some star high school athletes in the Triangle area this year. With that said, I just can't watch ten year olds playing a sport at such a low level. I know I will catch a lot of heat from people, but I am tired of seeing coverage on ESPN of little kids who can't play. ESPN loves to try and sell some crap to us. The same reason I will never watch the WNBA is why I will never watch the Little League World Series, its sub par product and I can watch MEN do it on a high and exciting level just about anytime.