Cam Newton: Panthers Rookie Is Better Dual-Threat QB Than Michael Vick Ever Was

When the Carolina Panthers drafted Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, most fans and analysts panned the pick. They said he was a one-year wonder whose game wouldn't translate.

Now, eight games in to his rookie season, he is a better dual-threat quarterback than Michael Vick has ever been. 

Vick has never been a great quarterback. He had one great season in 2010, but look at his entire body of work and it is not impressive. His best quarterback rating in a full season prior to last year was 81.6. His career rating is just 80.5. 

Vick has thrown for just 3,000 yards once in his career. He will likely do it again this season, assuming he stays healthy. 

We all know what Vick can do with his legs. There has never been a quarterback that can run around like he can in the history of the NFL, and his 5,002 rushing yards are the most ever by a non-running back. 

But being a great runner does not make you a great dual-threat quarterback. 

Newton has been fantastic, both with his arm and legs this season. He has thrown for 2,493 yards and 11 touchdowns and is completing over 60 percent of his passes. He is averaging 8.35 yards per attempt, compared to Vick's 7.87.

Running the ball, Newton has been just as dangerous as Vick. He has 266 yards and seven touchdowns, which ranked second in the NFL coming into Week 8. 

Plus, Vick is putting up his numbers with a lot more talent surrounding him at the skill positions than Newton has. 

The Eagles have the best collection of running backs and receivers in the NFL, with DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant, Brent Celek, et al. 

The Panthers have Steve Smith, who wanted to be traded after last season, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. They aren't chopped liver, but that group is nowhere near as strong as the Eagles.

Which group would you rather play with? 

Vick is a better pure runner than Newton; no one would argue that point. But when you break everything down, Newton is a superior dual-threat player. 

There are two areas where Newton separates himself from Vick: in the pocket and durability. 

Newton is just as comfortable, if not more so, standing in the pocket and throwing the ball. Vick looks to his first and second reads, then tucks and runs. Part of that is because the offensive line for the Eagles is so bad, but he has always been that kind of player. 

Newton is built like a prototypical NFL quarterback. He has the size (6'5", 248 pounds) and strength to bounce back up after getting hit. 

Vick is just 6'0", 215 pounds. He can't get hit or else he is liable to snap. He has only played a full 16-game season once in 10 years. 

Both Newton and Vick are terrific players, but as far as being great as a quarterback and running back, Newton holds the edge. The fact that he is just eight games into his NFL career is the scary part.