Cam Newton: 5 Things to Watch for in the 2011 NFL Preseason

As the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft, Cam Newton once again must takes the reigns and lead a team.

But prior to the 2010 college football season, he wasn't nearly as well known as he is now.

Therefore, the pressure is even more immense, and the NFL won't show any sympathy.

Obviously no one is perfect, but when Cam takes under center this preseason, here are some things he watch as he drops back.

Pocket Patience

As dominant of a runner Cam Newton was in college, taking a run-first pass-second approach as a pro QB won't suffice.

The reason why former scrambling QBs such as Steve Young and Randall Cunningham were so successful is because they weren't running QBs.

They were as patient as possible, and only ran as a last resort.

However, when they ran, they did it at the right time which allowed them to have success.

In Cam's case, he's not going to be able to sit back for one or two seconds then take off running.

He must use he feet to buy time (which is arguably his best asset), and then use the cannon on his right shoulder to become a successful NFL QB. 

Decision Making

This is the part that usually takes most rookie QBs the longest to learn.

As great an athlete as Cam Newton is, he's no exception.

Deciding on which audible to make at which time will be crucial, because you know defenses will be foaming at the mouth when he gets on the field.

So he must be careful, but at the same time, force himself to take a risk.

Carolina is not looking for Cam Newton to be a Trent Dilfer-esque game managing QB.

They drafted him because he is a game changer, and game changers make decisions and take risks.

Otherwise, he won't give them a fighting chance to win.

Mechanics

Regardless of how well any college QB has performed, every single one has had their mechanics tweaked to succeed at the pro level.

The ones who succeeded are those who welcomed the challenge, took constructive criticism, and got comfortable quickly.

As for Cam, he has a sick rocket, and does know when to use the finesse and placement when needed.

In the NFL however, he must learn to not just use him arm when throwing though.

Even in the most awkward of positions, professional QBs figure out a way to get their feet, legs, and hips involved with virtually every throw (something JaMarcus Russell never learned).

So, the quicker Newton can get himself acclimated to "the feel" of professional mechanics, the quicker he'll become a solid professional QB.

Vision

While at Auburn, Cam Newton was a great dual-threat QB.

And he has the potential to maintain that in the NFL.

His vision is what can keep that intact.

He must always keep his eyes down-field, because it will keep defenders in coverage.

Thus, more time for his WRs to get open, because no LB or DB can cover for 10 seconds with a a threat like Cam who can run.

Also, it shows that he has confidence in his offensive line.

In the NFL, he won't just be able to look at his first two targets right away, and then decide to take off running.

Confidence

This is what everything boils down to.

Confidence.

As Cam Newton progresses through the preseason, watch and see if he learns to feel the rush, buy time with his feet (after staying in the pocket for as long as possible)and keep his eyes down-field.

A professional QB with confidence does all three effortlessly, and knows he can gun the ball into an opening the size of a tire 30 yards down-field.

The quicker Newton learns when to audible (and which audible to choose) pre-snap, and can show poise in the pocket for the standard three seconds, the quicker his confidence will boost.

And, it's not that he doesn't already have it, but it's a whole new story in the pros.