5 Things We Learned About Cam Newton in Carolina Panthers Preseason Debut

Despite not getting the start, Cam Newton played very well in his NFL debut, finishing 8-19 for 134 yards.

And although he didn't throw a TD, he didn't throw a pick either, but still a solid performance overall.

As he matures, Newton will get more playing time, because he showed in his first game that he doesn't have to do everything.

So what did we learn?

Well, there's still a lot more evidence that remains to be seen, but from what we have so far, here is what we know about Cam Newton.

Calm, Cool and Collected

He showed poise in the pocket, didn't really have "happy feet", and made a case as to why he's a pocket-passer.

Even when the Giants blitzed him, Newton realized that he couldn't do anything, so he just played it safe and took the sack.

Also, it meant that he didn't try to do too much.

Cam also looked very comfortable back there, so you can definitely expect that from now on.

Pass First-Run Second

It's obviously not the prototypical game-plan, but is extremely essential to learn if one wants success as an NFL QB.

Think of all the legendary QBs to have ever stepped onto a football field; Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, John Elway, Dan Marino, the list goes on and on.

When you saw them drop back to pass or roll-out, it was pass first-run second.

They held onto the ball for as long as possible, therefore making a play with their feet down-field came as a last resort.

Cam Newton put this on display versus the Giants very well.

On more than one occasion he easily could have tucked it right away, but chose to let his teammates make a play instead.

This in turn, will only make him that much more dangerous.

Vision

And since Cam Newton proved that he could be a pocket-passer, his vision came with the proverbial QB package.

When sitting in the pocket, you must trust your offensive line, and keep your eyes down-field, thus trusting your WRs.

Newton did this almost to a T against New York, and went through his progressions rather smooth.

Even when he rolled out, he had his eyes across the green, then checked it down at the last second.

Which means, even though he could have ran, he deferred to a teammate.

So had he not had that vision, chances are Newton would have gotten sacked more, and took off running more.

But for him to show this kind of vision for his first NFL game, it's a good sign for Panthers fans.

Accuracy

Much like all up-and-coming NFL QBs, accuracy is definitely an issue.

The game feels about ten times faster than college, and is a lot faster than practice.

Not to mention how quickly the adrenaline is pumping through your veins.

In any event, Cam Newton showed signs of solid production when dropping back and gunning the rock down-field.

He also however, sometimes missed when the opportunity was there, but that's expected out of a rookie in the first preseason game.

It'd be a completely different case had he been a seasoned vet, and then missed wide open targets.

Nonetheless, Newton appears to be ahead of where most rookies are, so the future can only get better. 

Potential

Being the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft comes with some baggage.

And by baggage, I mean pressure, expectations, status and overall potential.

Luckily for Newton, Carolina was so bad last season that there's not much pressure for him to immediately turn around the franchise.

However, that by no means does not exclude him from the excuse of not having to play well.

After the Giants game, everyone watching, whether it be fans, media, coaches, teammates or whoever, now has an expectation of him.

Not all will be the same, however, his status is not since he was the No. 1 pick.

And, only he can control the limitations of his potential.

Thing is, there's a lot of it, and let's just hope for his sake that he doesn't succumb to the external pressure and expectations.

Otherwise, we're talking major bust.