3 Reasons Why Cam Newton Is the NFL's Most Exciting QB

When broadcasters say, "He's a football player," we immediately think the player in question is the whole package, not simply there to fulfill the duties of his position. But it's a strange comment to make because certainly most NFL players consider themselves "football players," not just the spare parts of a team, right?

Having watched Cam Newton slide onto the NFL stage with gusto, the notion of a football player suddenly feels more definitive. The definition is Cam Newton.

Newton has had so many detractors since announcing his eligibility for the NFL that you wonder if all the over analysis would result in yet another JaMarcus Russell. Newton, who is sized similarly to Russell, is not only more athletic, but also more confident, debonair and enthralling. This player, to put it mildly, is a football star in the making—if he isn't one already.

Here are three reasons why he is the NFL's most exciting QB:

1. Presence

What makes Newton so attractive is he is commanding on the field. In his first two outings—against Arizona and Green Bay—Newton has not only piled up yards (854 in all), but his completion percentage is at 63 percent (52 completed of 83 attempts).

He owns the passing game, not simply by virtue of his accuracy (and he has been mostly accurate despite what the experts have said), but also by his impressive decision making. When the pass hasn't been on, he recognizes running opportunities. When the corners play up and tight, he doesn't hang the ball out but, instead, delicately lobs it to the sideline where only the receiver could pluck it from its trajectory.

His longer throws, too, have been dazzling to the eye, torpedoing over the wreckage of linemen and defensive backs below and then finally, softly, descending into the outstretched arms of delighted Panthers, like the all-but-forgotten Steve Smith. 

2. Versatility

What doesn't Newton do? Well, he scrambles. He dives fearlessly for first downs. He works the play action with the pizazz of a Spanish bullfighter. He's agile in the pocket, aware and energetic, dodging tacklers and fending of charging bulls.

But he also keeps a cool head.

It's this poise, to wait, adjust and see the game unfold in front of him that is fueling his success. Heck, he can even make the lunge over helmets and pads to score goal-line touchdowns, which is not easy with his 250-pound frame. That's versatility.

3. Leadership

At day's end though, it's Newton's leadership that will take his career and the Carolina Panthers to the next level. He oozes style and bravado: From the way he lines up behind center to the way he celebrates a score. The man wants to be out there, and clearly hungers for victory.

Sure, a few passes have gone astray. A couple of runs have come up short. Let's keep things in perspective though: Newton hasn't even played a handful of games.T he sky is, at least in this case, truly the limit.

And this is not just what Carolina fans need; it's what the NFL needs: a Namath-cool superstar, thrilling the arena like a football player, not simply a signal-caller.