Cardinals to face Cam Newton in season opener
Sep 2, 2011, 3:16 PM | Updated: 4:43 pm
Cam Newton will begin his NFL career on the same field where his NCAA one ended.
As the starting quarterback.
The Carolina Panthers announced the Heisman Trophy winner will be their Week 1 starter, something that really comes as a shock to no one.
After all, who else would the Panthers start, Derek Anderson? That’s not even funny.
Said Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, “We didn’t draft Cam to be the savior. We drafted him to help lead this football team.”
And lead them he will, though the Panthers have to hope — even if they don’t really expect — the rookie improves on a preseason where he completed just 42.1 percent of his passes while completing just one touchdown toss.
Newton did rush nine times for 86 yards and a score, and his ability to move the chains without using his right arm is something the Cardinals will certainly have to be aware of.
However, Newton is still a rookie, and no matter how good he is the Cardinals must treat him as such. Arizona should be OK, as facing the top overall selection in game one is familiar territory for Big Red.
Last year the Cards welcomed Sam Bradford to the NFL by intercepting him three times, the most the offensive rookie of the year would throw all season.
