5 Reasons to Believe Cam Newton Will Be the Carolina Panthers' Week 1 Starter

This is definitely an issue that has been discussed at the water-cooler, bars, parties, and anywhere you can think of.

However, it hasn't been overly acknowledged like you would expect it to be.

Much of that can be attributed to the fact that Cam Newton did not start in Carolina's first preseason game, but he is now getting the nod for the second.

That being said, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Newton is starting on Friday, but Carolina hasn't officially named him the No. 1 QB.

Well, that begs the question, should Cam Newton start in Week 1?

Here are five reasons why he should.

Check this article out for more Cam Newton preseason analysis. 

Ticket Sales

There's no rhyme or reason to it.

If Cam Newton starts, the fans will come.

Not to tweak the tagline from the baseball movie Field of Dreams or anything, but it is the truth.

Thing is, the Panthers do play on the road in Week 1 (Arizona), but they come home in Week 2 against the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Nonetheless, Arizona will surely sell some tickets, but the following week in their home opener, Bank of America Stadium will be rocking.

So, although this slide is technically more geared towards Week 2, it'll help build the suspense for seeing him in live, meaningful, game-action.

Investment

Let's put it this way.

When you have the No. 1 overall pick, you don't draft that player to sit the bench.

Last season, the Rams drafted QB Sam Bradford No. 1 overall, and he started all 16 games.

You make this investment, and expect, not necessarily immediate, but rather quick results.

Otherwise, the Panthers could have gone in a different direction with their No. 1 pick, such as drafting a position in which doesn't come with the pressure like a QB.

Impact/Potential

When his teammates see the success that he's had, with all the pressure he was under, Cam Newton's impact should be welcomed.

For the better part of the 2010 college football season, Newton was under the NCAA microscope and never lost his poise.

On of off the field, he performed magically, and ultimately led the Auburn Tigers to a national championship.

Thus, he's a proven winner at college football's highest level, and in the most difficult conference that amateur football has to offer.

Other QBs

For the non-Carolina Panthers' fans reading this, put yourself in their shoes.

Who would you want to see live or on TV: Jimmy Clausen or Cam Newton?

Last season, Clausen wasn't under as much pressure and was basically a body thrown into the fire to fill in while Carolina waited for Newton.

However, if you switch Newton and Clausen, Cam would have posed as a bigger threat, despite the Panthers' dismal season.

Not to mention, he was the No. 1 overall pick, whereas Clausen wasn't even a first-rounder.

Versatility

Now before you say anything, it will come in handy in the NFL.

Obviously, the first step is becoming a solid pocket passer, as well as being able to buy time with his feet while still keeping his eyes down field.

Then, his athleticism will come into play.

No matter how well the coverage is down field, Newton will only hold the ball for so long and eventually take off.

And let's be honest, how many LBs are going to be able to successfully spy him and completely isolate him as a rushing threat?

Also, with Jimmy Clausen on the roster, why not line Newton up as a receiver in the slot?

Just another way in which they can use his size and ability to their advantage.

However, as long as he can solidify himself as a decent pocket passer during his rookie campaign, it'll only make him that much more dangerous.