2011 NFL Predictions: Cam Newton the Carolina Panthers' Starting Quarterback

There was once a time when I was late to a dinner that I had promised I would be on time for. Not only were all eyes on me when I emerged from the restaurant's entrance, but there were no seats left. I literally was forced to wriggle my way between two people I did not know and make polite conversation.

Not only were these two people strangers, they were quite intimidating. I refused to shrink in fear. I found common ground with them and now consider them some of my truest mentors.

Cam Newton may be a little late to dinner. But does that mean there is no space for him at the table?

Even though Newton, former star quarterback of Auburn University, seemed shaky in his first NFL preseason start, anyone who doubts that he will start in the regular season is not in touch with reality.

He was not drafted at the number one position in the 2011 NFL Draft or signed to a four-year, $22 million deal (guaranteed) only to ride the bench in the shadow of a mediocre Jimmy Clausen.

Clausen had the chance to do what he could in the face of NFL defenses in the previous season, and had yet to impress anyone with an opinion of the game. Although head coach Ron Rivera refuses to state the obvious, every man inside and outside the Carolina Panthers’ locker room knows exactly what to expect for their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Newton will trot onto the field with the starting job while Clausen sits on the sidelines contemplating a second chance. If he hopes to become a starting quarterback in this league again, there will be plenty of things the QB will need to explore in his journey of improvement.

In the meantime, Newton will have a grand time proving himself as a viable starting quarterback for the Panthers.

Coach Rivera has announced that Cam Newton will be the starting quarterback for the Panthers’ preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but will not say whether or not Newton’s playing in the first three quarters will make his starting position solid. Only time will tell, he expects us to believe. But we know better.

Clausen may be holding onto a small Grinch of hope whispering in his ear that he still has a chance, but fans are not as apt to lie to ourselves about such a determined future.

No, he does not belong in the same talks as the dishonorable JaMarcus Russell, but Clausen has showed the ability to be second-string at best. There is nothing wrong with an understudy. Think about when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended early last season.

It would have been mayhem in Pittsburgh if there was no one standing behind him ready to take charge of Steeler Nation. Of course, Charlie Batch did not entirely fill the void, but something is always better than nothing.

Who else would step up and claim this right? Derek Anderson? After the whopper season he had in Arizona, Coach Rivera would be so much more comfortable with him in a tutoring role for the younger quarterbacks of the squad, as he was told before his name was inked on the roster. Anderson is comfortable with being the veteran who shows Newton and Clausen the way, so there will probably not be a quaking moment in the organization involving himself.

Therefore, with Clausen and Anderson being out of the question, the only man left is Newton. Do not misconstrue the fact of his choosing with being one of desperation or chance. Even a franchise in duress such as the Panthers were last season must resort to well-thought-out decisions.

Panthers’ owner Jerry Richardson and Coach Rivera had plenty of time to contemplate any possible lapses in judgment, and Newton shows promise as a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Will he reach the height of Tom Brady's notoriety in his first season? More than likely, this is a pipe dream that will not make it past his bedroom door frame. However, there are quarterbacks all over this league who have found other ways to ultimately be successful.

As long as the rookie uses the talents that scouts considered formidable throughout his college career and mixes in an undeterred work ethic, Newton will have no problem succeeding amongst the greatest.

There is room for him at the dinner table. He just needs to find the most productive way to a free chair.