Friday, April 29, 2011

Kurt Warner doesn't like Newton and other notes

Here are seven firsthand notes from New York after I watched the NFL draft’s first round live from Radio City Music Hall (and here's the column I wrote from the Big Apple, too):

1. Cam Newton turned on the charm Thursday night in every interview and said all the right things after being drafted No.1 by Carolina. After not talking to me Wednesday, he answered my question and everyone else’s Thursday. Newton used the line about wanting to take the Panthers from “worst to first” in several different interviews, and he said repeatedly that his first priority was to get to Charlotte and get to work.
The Panthers sure need him – Newton accounted for 50 total TDs last season (30 pass, 20 run). That’s almost three times more than the Panthers, who scored an NFL-low total of 17 TDs last year.

2. It was a great day for Newton and his family – I met some of them in New York and they seem very close. What Newton will have to prove to everyone is how he’s going to do long-term. He knows that, saying of his critics Thursday: “I understand that everybody is not just going to stop and just say, ‘That’s Cam. He’s the No.1 pick. And we can leave him alone.’ If anything, the floodgates have opened officially.”
I still wonder how Cam will react the first time he throws three interceptions and loses a game – we haven’t seen that reaction from him yet in college, because he never lost at Auburn. But it’s coming, and how he reacts to adversity is going to be very important.

3. One of those Newton critics will be Kurt Warner, who said on the NFL Network Thursday night that he wasn’t sure Newton would be “effective” as a pro. Warner said that while the Auburn quarterback was “dynamic” that Newton had “a lot of work to do” and that he wasn’t at all sure Newton could win a championship.
“Franchise quarterbacks have to be able to play in the pocket,” said Warner, who ran the ball about once a season himself. “He’s a long way from that right now.”
Another critic? ESPN's Gene Wojo (well, that's what we in the media call him), who said the Panthers "overreached" by choosing Newton but that they just don't know it yet.

4. I used this quote from former NFL great Eddie George in my column from the draft that was published in Friday's newspaper, but it’s worth repeating. George told me this in New York about Newton Thursday, several hours before Newton became the No.1 pick: “Cam is a beast. He’s got that Magic Johnson smile, and his athleticism speaks for itself. But now the biggest test comes, because everybody is going to want to ride his coattails, to be in his entourage. How will he handle that? Is he studying film, or is he out in the clubs? Because if he focuses on his craft and hones his skills, he could one day be the best quarterback in the NFL.”

5. I was surprised by the utter venom directed toward NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell by fans at the draft. Before announcing any picks, Goodell came out to hold a moment of silence for the tornado tragedy in the South.
Goodell couldn’t get to that moment for several minutes, though, as fans booed him over and over and then struck up a “We Want Football! We Want Football!” chant.
“I hear you,” Goodell said repeatedly. Then he tried, “Me, too.” Then he finally asked them to quiet down, and it didn’t work at first. Finally, it did. But it had to send a pretty good message to the commissioner about how angry fervent fans are that a new collective bargaining agreement has yet to be reached.

6. Denver coach John Fox is really going to like Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, whom the Broncos took at No.2 overall. Miller is not only a superb player, but seems like a really standup guy – Fox’s sort of person.

7. I guess it was a smart move by former Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers not to attend the draft, or else it would have been pretty awkward for him. Bowers, who was once considered a potential No.1 pick but has an injury concern (a knee), wasn’t picked at all in the 32-pick first round. Neither was Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett. UNC defensive end Robert Quinn (picked No.14 by St. Louis) wasn’t in New York, either.

63 comments:

Jimmy said...

Marty Hurney and Don Gregory will be a part of an NFL trivia question in the very near future.

They were both in San Diego when the Chargers drafted Ryan Leaf with the 2nd overall pick. And now they are both in Charlotte when the Panther's drafted Cam Newton with the first overall pick. Hurney and Gregory will be for ever associated with two of the biggest Quarterback busts in the NFL history.

I just hope the Panther's lose enough games next seasonto get Andrew Luck in next year's draft. They are playing the league"s toughest schedule this upcoming fall.

FYI, Ron Rivera's nick name is Chico. So we should refer to him and Hurney as "Chico and the man!"

Anonymous said...

Jimmy Clausen, is that you?

Anonymous said...

FYI, the moment of silence for the storm victims in the South was indeed televised. It was pretty rediculous to see the relentless verbal bashing of the commissioner. Say what you will about these labor talks, but he has done a great job so far during his tenure cleaning up the league and maintaining the NFL as the most popular sport in the U.S.

Anonymous said...

I am sure Newton doesn't like Warner either!

Anonymous said...

Give it a rest on who doesn't like Cam. He is a ours now and he is a winner. Who cares what the "experts" think, the guy just wins football games.

Anonymous said...

In order to be an effective QB at the Pro level there are certain thing that you HAVE to be able to do. Cam has not yet displayed that he can do those things. When you are going to pay someone #1 overall money, they had BETTER be able to contribute right away, not sit on the bench and learn for 3 years. Miller or Patterson would contribute significantly right away.

Anonymous said...

The white QB haters crybabies and whiners got what they wanted. When he screws up they will scream the race card again as usual. Will he be the next Rae Carruth or worse since Carruth had a spotless rep before he came to the Panthers. Newton has more baggage than US Air.

Anonymous said...

Get over it. Kurt Warner,what a joke. You would think someone with his career start he would support someone like Cam Newton, but once again America shows its colors.Like having the President show his birth certificate after being in office for 2 1/2 years. Every player out of college may or may not be successful. He deserves his chance to prove himself like everyone else. Welcome to Charlotte Cam

Anonymous said...

Maybe we can use the stadium for the shrine game after the Panthers leave?
Panthers are now worse than the Bengals...never thought that could happen.

Anonymous said...

Kurt Warner did not say he does not like Newton . He is saying Newton can't stand still and throw the ball!
Warner just shut the hell up!If he works hard at his craft, he should be a better QB than your stiff leg self.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we have someone who can bring some excitement to this boring sports town. Finally,maybe the stadium will truly have real people in the seats instead of broadcast numbers.

Anonymous said...

This is a big mistake. Should have taken Peterson or Gabbert. Newton does not have the tools to be taught the NFL game.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on a great pick Panthers. I am so sick of both of our Professional teams in town playing safe and flying under the radar. Bravo on a move to make this team significant.

Anonymous said...

Well as wasted pick. At least we will still have a shot at Luck if he comes out next year.

It is not the the Goodell's fault that there is no football. That rest the players and that IDIOT D. Smith.

Anonymous said...

Tarzan had his Cheetah

and now Rivera has his, uh,....

cheetah

John Thomas said...

How can you say Cam said all the right things? I watched it on ESPN and when he was being interviewed, the girl asked him what's next? What did Scam say?

"I don't know."

Uhh. What?

How about this, Scam:

"I'm going to start immediately working with QB coach Shula and OC Chud to learn the intricacies of the NFL offense and the Panthers playbook so I can start contributing to this team as soon as possible."

Not perfect, but a helluva lot better than "I don't know."

Anonymous said...

I'm not 100% onboard with Cam being picked, however I admire the Panthers for taking a risk. Charlotte has never had a guy with the "it" factor for any of their pro sports teams. We've been too accustomed to the conservative, and often times bland persona with our players. People in this city have been dying for that guy for years. Maybe Cam is finally that guy, maybe he's not. At least the Panthers finally decided to take a risk and shoot for the moon.

Anonymous said...

One quote sums it up.per Cam ".....I'm going to Carolina to make myself great." We'll see how that works out.

Anonymous said...

Hope this doesn't turn into another Adam Morrison fiasco. That pick set the Bobcats back for years and now this pick could set the Panthers back for years.

Anonymous said...

Charlotte has never had a guy with the "it" factor for any of their pro sports teams.

How about Alonzo Mourning or Larry Johnson? Or even Steve Smith or Julius Peppers in their prime? You must be new to Charlotte . . .

We can only hope Cam can come close to these players 'it' factor - whatever that is!

lannie said...

I am really disappointed. Newton was the last guy I would have picked. He is too slow in the pocket because he wants a perfect throw. The guys who dance around and pose always end up being shuffled from one team to another. We already had plenty of them.

Kurt Warner was being too kind in his comments. Newton is going to get slaughtered on the field cause he is too slow and he has no clue just how fast the NFL is.

Anonymous said...

Insider scoop was
the CPs were blackmaled by the NFL months ago on orders from the DNC & WH for the 2012 big show coming to town.
Its also ties in with the union strike and recent Fed judge decision to end the lockout. Dont worry. Everything went as planned. They will play now.

JR was also forced to hire Rivera over experienced HCs and the code word "franchise" QB was a setup sting for CN. This all only took place after Auburn won it all naturally.

Rivera came from U Cal Berkeley the same school as Andrew Luck who was forced secretly by the league to play his senior year so Newton would be the Panther pick for the 2012 DNC.

Make no mistake. Insiders know Luck wanted to be the #1 Panther pick but the powers that be inside rig would not allow it after Auburn won. Wrong shade. Forget the scandals. Irrelevant.

It was a 100% RIG. Once the DNC leaves in 2012 the NFL could care less who is the Panther QB.

Pity who picks Luck in 2012 and when Carolina has to face him. Panthers will go 4-12 in 2011 if they lucky.

Anonymous said...

The coach wanted this guy from the get go. Why I sure don't' know.We know with Wienki that Heismann Trophy means nothing in the NFL.
So when Newton does not work out and he won't, then this coach can go with him.

I hope they prove me wrong but I fear they won't. Lot of coaches did not have a lot of positives on this guy let alone the comments from Warner.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe all this vitriol...let's just call it like it is. Cam has a big upside, and a big downside. NONE of us know which one is going to emerge. Don't hate on him yet. No wonder all these players want out of Charlotte. We despise and insult EVERYONE that steps up here!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is, with any luck this will be the final nail in Hurney's coffin. How many draft picks can one person waste/mismanage before he gets fired? When sCam is riding the bench at the end of another dreadful season, the only saving grace will hopefully be Marty getting his walking papers.

Julius P said...

Prior to the snap, Newton won't be able to audible and adjust. After the snap he won't be able to check down...he'll just run after one read (w/o Steve Smith our primary receivers are still learning how to get open). And when he runs, he'll get knocked down by NFL LBs, DEs and safeties. Oh well.

Anonymous said...

Jon-

The downside of sCam is a LOT bigger than his upside. Sure he has the physical skills, but nowhere near the mental skills to succeed in the league. How far are the Panthers going to have to dumb down the playbook for him? Will there be a separate playbook just for sCam? I'm thinking so, and it will probably be evident to the coaches withing the first week of camp (if there is a camp). The guy just doesn't have the mental ability to make multiple reads/audibles like any other SUCCESSFUL NFL QB. The truth hurts.

Anonymous said...

coach rivera, dont pay any attention to the vast majority of morons on these boards. theres just as much speculation saying cam will be a star as there is saying he will be a flop. i trust your decision as youre the coach and my NFL experience wouldnt fill a nutshell. as one of the worst teams in the NFL we arent really taking any risks. a risk would imply that we have something to lose. were pretty much at rock bottom so if this fails were right back where we started.

as for JR and MH, you boys better wake up and realize that this city is 1 more crappy season away from making you guys the george shinn of the NFL

Anonymous said...

If we could predict the future, we would all be rich. Cam welcome to Charlotte. All you need to do is win just like you did at Auburn where you day in and day out played "weak" competition that ultimately will end up like you playing in the NFL. Whiners are pathetic!

Anonymous said...

John Thomas said...
How can you say Cam said all the right things? I watched it on ESPN and when he was being interviewed, the girl asked him what's next? What did Scam say?

"I don't know."

Uhh. What?

How about this, Scam:

"I'm going to start immediately working with QB coach Shula and OC Chud to learn the intricacies of the NFL offense and the Panthers playbook so I can start contributing to this team as soon as possible."

Not perfect, but a helluva lot better than "I don't know."



Read more: http://scottfowlerobs.blogspot.com/2011/04/kurt-warner-doesnt-like-newton-and.html#ixzz1Kv2ZuV4D


What the heck are you talking about. That is exactly what he said. He said he wanted to meet with the coaches immediately. I heard it on ESPN Radio. You people are HATERS!

Freddy said...

Anon@8:51 - Your mom called. You've missed your meds again. Now be a good boy, take your pills, and go back to bed with your lifesize Ann Coulter doll. She misses you.

Back to the subject... the Panthers roll the dice again. They're going to have to play Cam sooner rather than later. He'd better get busy with that playbook, and fans will just have to hope for the best.

Anonymous said...

All you cam fans who say "he just wins" should remember where he won. Auburn is a known cheat and had surrounded him with the best players their boosters could buy. Cam included.

Low character will show itself sooner or later.

Anonymous said...

Ditto. This Newton thing was all nothing but an NFL fix.

Anonymous said...

I don"t know what IT is-- but I know IT--- when I see IT--- and Cam has IT! Go CAMthers!! The Kid is a winner period end of discussion. Now let's get D-Will back in the fold and go to work. Our Defense is instantly better b/c they wont be on the filed as much.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Kurt Warner completely!

Anonymous said...

Too bad Carolina did not get multiple picks to improve the whole team ala the Vikings and Herschel Walker. We need WR, Ol, DL, everything. Newton better be able to run cause he will get sacked. Let's see if he can put up with what last year's QB's did. If I am our other QB's I say TRADE ME NOW! I took lumps last year now its Newton's turn.

Anonymous said...

Reality check folks. We have a Newton. We have coaches and a new OC. Clausen didn't have either. OL members returning. Shockey-the first tight end since Wesley Walls that can catch. T Davis returning on D. The NFC South is tough. No slouches. Don't expect miracles but it sounds exciting. The test will be how many PSLs are on EBAY in Dec....Now if we could just get some Topcats that don't look like high school juniors and a cornerback, I'm good to go. See you in the stands, fans.

Anonymous said...

Its funny how Cam isn't the answer then right behind that they we should've take Gabbert. Right there dont quit your day job.Then you say Andrew Luck as I recall any pick is a gamble im just glad none of you idiots are in the Panthers organization. The saviour can come here and all of this oh he's so great havent did a damn thing but someone who has he's not the answer. All of these same people must have seen Josh Smith killing us last year when he got drafted too!!!!!!!!!!laughable

Anonymous said...

Andrew Luck is at STANFORD... Nice try, go back to your hovel in Glennbeckistan..

Anonymous said...

Guys need to calm down, panthers had the first pick, no-one would have traded down with them, considering there is no consensus NUMBER 1 player that they have to pick. The other QBs you mention were not that great either to pick up at No.1, whats the point in picking a CB or DE with number 1 pick. They would have sucked anyway with clausen and if they suck again with newton, they will get a high 1st rd pick again next year. i am glad they are being bold, I think this is a strategy to sell merchandise be in the spotlight, for example i predict panthers will be on national tv. would you not pay to watch cam newton vs some big time team. and in one year they will make up enough for the amount they are paying him.

MacFootball said...

From Pat Yasinskas in the ESPN NFC SOuth Blog:

I can tell you he is the most researched player I’ve ever been around,’’ Rivera said.

The Panthers did plenty of research on Newton’s character and background and they signed off on that more than a month ago. The Panthers started off considering eight players for the No. 1 pick and narrowed that number to four.

“I tried to ride that four as long as I could,’’ Rivera said. “Everything kept coming back to Cam.’’

This decision wasn’t about character or background nearly as much as it came down to purely a football decision. All that speculation about Newton not being ready to step right into an NFL offense? Well, it brought a lot more concern to the media and fans than it did to the Panthers. They put Newton through some serious tests long before they made this pick and they’re convinced he can handle their playbook.

They sent it to him a couple of months ago before they brought in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who is supposed to install a system similar to what the San Diego Chargers run. They also sent quarterbacks coach Mike Shula to meet with Newton.

With Carolina’s playbook in his mind, Newton was asked to guide Chudzinski and Shula through their offense. He passed the test with flying colors.

“He’s going to open things up with Rob Chudzinski’s play calling,’’ Rivera said. “Our coaches were on board right off the bat.’’

Chudzinski and Shula came back to Charlotte with visions of Newton extending their plays with his arm and legs dancing in their heads. They made a presentation to Rivera about how they could use Newton in their offense.

Anonymous said...

The only real question now is how long it takes for sCam's mugshot to show up on the CMPD website. It's not a question of "if", but "when"...and remember, you heard it here first.

Sky_Walker said...

LMFAO @ these arm chair football owners and coaches on here hating on the young man already! Idiots probably don't even support the team at all! But waste time by going on blog spots and talking reckless with the hidden hand racism! A bunch of clowns indeed! Welcome to Charlotte Cam! I have faith in Jimmy Clausen as well as Matt Moore and Tony Pike! They all have my support! I am a real fan and If my team struggles then I struggle with them! Just like I have since day one til now! Let's go PANTHERS!

Joseph said...

How does marty hurney and the rest of their scouts keep their jobs?

Doesn't anyone in that draft room have the BALLS to stand up to Hurney and tell him that he is wrong!!

Lessons are repeated until Learned! The panther's obviously haven't learned their lesson!

Anonymous said...

Ignorance. Hidden hand of what? Check your mirror. You never supported Clausen. Moore played in 2-3 games. Pike never played.Get your facts right idiot. Panther fan good and bad times? Yea rite. Any more lies?

Anonymous said...

Hey Anon. April 29, 2011 8:51 AM

You must also think 9/11 was an inside job and your being followed by Black Helicopters. You're nuts!

Anonymous said...

45% of America believe 911 was an inside job. 90% of the world believe 911 was an inside job. Whos right? Whos wrong? Got any proof?

Anonymous said...

newton in town?

1)hide your laptop.

2)no lectures at cms on how to cheat on tests.

3)and especially no talks with players on how to make easy big money getting scholarships.

Anonymous said...

People in Charlotte area should feel lucky, at least they will black out the games there. I live just outside the black out area of the panthers. I am going to be subjected to years of having panther games on one of the networks every week. I really think we have already began a new era. An era like the lions have been in for the past 50 or so years. I hope some of you are young because I doubt if we see many more Panther playoff games anytime soon. I am terribly disappointed in this top pick. It was not a pick to build a team with. It was a desperate move by desperate people. Nice move folding to the public pressure for a new QB.

Anonymous said...

Go pound sand Warner! You got your bell rung many times because you ran like a robot and stayed in the pocket. At least Cam will escape some contact to avoid the amount of concussions you sustained.

Cam's got a broken Egg said...

The 12,000 pound elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about is:

Cam Newton does not have the mental accuity to be an NFL QB. He is a dumb, running QB. It doesn't matter if he is black or white, he is just dumb. Once he shows how dumb he is, all this talk about being a "winner" and an "icon" will be remembered as pure naivete.

Anonymous said...

I find it astonishing that so many people "know" that Newton is either:
A: the greatest thing that ever happened and that he will lead the Panthers to the promised land.
or that
B:Cam is "obviously" going to be the biggest bust ever and will doom the Panthers.
I would nt have picked Cam Newton but you cant deny his atheletic gifts. I would have picked Marcel Darius and hope that Cam doesnt turn into super man. That being said I sell freakin insurance and though I like to watch football, in reality, I dont know squat about football talent, and ....
neither do any of you, well Kurt Warner should. I do know one d@mn though... the DNC , NFL conspiracy guy is out of his mind!

Anonymous said...

I could name many QBs who where not the right pick, leet's start with Johnny U.

Anonymous said...

None of the draft picks will do good or bad, until they get the oppportunity. All of the guys have the opportunity. Botton line, some with make it, some won't...botton line!

Anonymous said...

Based on some of the comments, many of you must have played in the NFL.

Anonymous said...

Instead of burning crosses, they show up on message boards

Anonymous said...

well heres to hoping the bobcats get chris paul because the panthers are not going to be good anytime soon

Anonymous said...

Nothing is more stupid than sports fans. You are all idiots, none of you knows what this young man will or won't do. I do love the chance some of you web-toed gill breathers use to show that the racism in Charlotte is still alive and well. Calling Newton Cheetah to Rivera's Tarzan? I bet you have that Obama Chimp poster on the wall of your parent's basement. The draft is done, all the talk in the world doesn't make a bit of difference, he is your QB pick so be a real fan and not some ESPN opinionated wanna be. Shut up, give the kid a break, and try a little positive reinforcement. Did I say shut up? If not, shut up.

Anonymous said...

Well if all these people know how a players career ig going to be why didnt they pick that out when Ryan Leaf was Drafted .

Anonymous said...

Daunte Culpepper 2.0

The Panthers ended his career by blowing out his knee.

Someone will end Cam's career the same way.

This is not a race issue... This a Pro football issue.. Cam does not have the skill set for the Pro game today.

Bsmoove704 said...

they said Terry Bradshaw was "dumb" when he was drafted. in fact he was sooooo dumb he won 4 S.B. i'm not a Panther fan but i'll take a "dumb" winner over a "smart" loser all the time

John said...

Newton wouldn't have been my pick personally. But with that said here he is. I hear people who know nothing say he is stupid. I hear from Panthers insiders that he won't have a problem with the playbook, oh who should I believe?

Does he need work? Oh yeah. And Cam does need to work on his feet. Hopefully Shula will be all over that, it is coachable after all. Just like keeping your eyes downfield is. Vick finally learned so I guess Cam can as well.

Best of luck to Cam and all the new Panthers.

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