Falcons to Carolina’s Cam Newton: ‘Bring it on!’
Former Auburn quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton appears headed to Carolina. (Associated Press)
UNOFFICIAL MINICAMPVILLE – In the modern NFL, a player drafted in the top 10 is expected to play.
(NOTE FROM DOL: Well, they didn’t actually say “Bring it On!” I just liked the movie and wanted to post the picture of Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union in each other’s face.)
Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford have changed that dynamic for quarterbacks.
The owners feel that they are paying hefty rookie salaries, so it’s incumbent on the coaches to get the young
quarterbacks ready to play.
You have to give a lot of credit to former Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey for Ryan’s speedy development.
So, it will be interesting to see how Carolina handles Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from Auburn and Westlake High. Musgrave, now the offensive coordinator in Minnesota, will try to get former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder ready to play.
Some of the Falcons defenders had some thoughts on Newton and they shared their plans to “welcome” him to the NFC South.
“Everybody has to prove their worth in this league,” free safety Thomas DeCoud said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re the first pick or if you’re Mr. Irrelevant, you have to prove yourself in this league and make your own name.”
Linebacker Mike Peterson, who is helping to lead the Falcons’ minicamp drills despite the fact that he’s not under contract, has his own view of rookies.
“I love it,” Peterson said. “He’s still a rookie to me. It doesn’t matter what you did in college. When he gets to Carolina, all of the guys are going to tell him to forget what he did in college. Just wash that away because it doesn’t mean [anything] here in this league.”
Starting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton had both of his knees scoped this offseason. He moved around well at the minicamp practice. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, who’s recovering from two offseason knee surgeries, believes the lockout will definitely stunt Newton’s development. He was able to start as a rookie after going through the offseason program.
“Cam Newton is a very athletic quarterback,” Lofton said. “It doesn’t bode very well for him, not being able to go through OTAs and these minicamps and stuff. It’s a lot and they are going to have to cut the playbook down. As a defensive guy, I kind of enjoy that. It kind of gives us the advantage. But he’s going to bring a lot of athleticism to Carolina’s offense.”
Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon opened last season as a starter after being selected 19th overall in the first round. He benefitted from the team’s minicamp and OTAs last offseason.
“We know that guy is elusive and can make a ton of plays,” Weatherspoon said. “I look forward to playing against him. I think competitors always want to play against the best.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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128 comments Add your comment
Falcons Mini Camp
May 11th, 2011
12:53 pm
Awesome that Ryan and Peterson lead by example for the other players at a mini camp.
Kane337
May 11th, 2011
12:58 pm
I agree with D-LED. UGA is the Iowa of the SEC. It fits perfectly.
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
12:58 pm
misdirection?…matty melt may not have played defense but it’s apparent his ‘offensive’ play didn’t keep the Packers’ offense OFF the field..another ‘STAT’…Melt hasn’t won a post season game..and my guess, Melt was lucky….the falcants had only 6 receivers with plays accounting for over 20yds…and only 1 had more than 7 of those….tells me Matty Melt didn’t/can’t throw long….what does that STAT tell you?
only 9 interceptions tells me the balls he threw weren’t even close to the OPPOSING players…i would love to see where the interceptions happened….bet those were within 15yds of the line of scrimmage…but don’t have the STATS on that one…falcants…
Kane337
May 11th, 2011
1:02 pm
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
12:26 pm
ok, Mike…where did that get the falcants?…13-3, number one seed…BLOWN out in first round…50,000 seat stadium empties out at half time…only fans left are Packers’ fans…how about those STATS?….
————————————————–
I was at the game. The dome was still full at half time. Does lying about stuff 100% of the time count as a stat?
Matt Ryan highly overrated
May 11th, 2011
1:03 pm
Ryan will be #3 QB in the NFC south in two year pure hype no shoulder to carry this team Turner still the man!!!
Hollywould
May 11th, 2011
1:04 pm
Falcant, LOOK OUT, THE SEAHAWKS ARE LURKING.
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
1:13 pm
looking forward to the 2011 season…would like to see all the NFC South teams stay healthy….could be some good games to watch….
you are lost
May 11th, 2011
1:25 pm
falcants4ever guy. you are an idiot.
2011 NFL Schedule: Young Gun Cam Newton to Face the Great Peyton Manning? – Bleacher Report | Peyton Manning
May 11th, 2011
1:26 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
BirdDirty
May 11th, 2011
1:27 pm
Green Bay just scored again!!!
Cam Newton
May 11th, 2011
1:31 pm
It just ain’t right—me having to take a pay cut from my playing days at Auburn to play in the NFL.
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
1:33 pm
typical liberal falcants fan….falls back to ‘name calling’….i’ve not called the falcants’ fans names…only trying to point out their team’s shortcomings…don’t blame you for supporting your team…falcants haven’t won a playoff game with Matty Melt…be realistic…he’s smart..but has a weak arm…i’m not the only one who recognizes that…he’s a good ballplayer…not elite…when the falcants win the super bowl..or maybe even a playoff game with Melt, i’ll change my name…until then…falcants…
Associated Press
May 11th, 2011
1:36 pm
Breaking News: Auburn has just switched from the NCAA to the NFL.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
2:03 pm
it’s a sorry state of affairs when the FAILCAN fans talk more about the SAINTS and the PANTHERS than their own team. obviously with the failcans there isn’t much to talk about. it would appear that a 2nd qtr surrender is still weighing heavy on your feeble minds. by the way- good job in bolstering you aging and slow D in this years draft
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
2:07 pm
after reading alot of the comments , i sense that the failcan fans are slightly p.o.ed that they are stuck with the meltdown boy and fearful of having to face cam twice this year. if i’m wrong , and i’m not , then why all the chatter about someone who , as you seem to think , really doesn’t matter ?
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2011
2:14 pm
Here’s yet another prime example that being an AINT FAN requires one to be extremely delusional, with liberal doses of denial and stupidity.
HIRAMAINT criticized our DEF and called it ancient and unupgradable. Now who else but a DILUSIONAL BRAIN DEAD AINT FANATIC would criticize the Falcons 17th ranked DEF, when his AINTS had the NFL’s 29th(TWENTY NINETH)ranked DEF?
He also needs to realize that as long as the AINTS continue to rely on that sorry run blocking OL, their RB’s will continue to struggle and suffer injuries. The Falcons only have to add a pass rushing DE to seriously upgrade their DEF. Hell, Falcon CB BGrimes had more INT’s than the AINTS entire secondary, and DE JAbraham had more sacks than your entire DL.
How STUPID AND DELUSIONAL does one have to be not to be able to look at these facts and realize which DEF is ancient and needs serious upgrading?
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2011
2:17 pm
HIRAMAINT-Let’s talk about the AINTS 29th ranked DEF, or that sorry run blocking OL, especially the problems you have a LT.
hiramsaint licked my sac
May 11th, 2011
2:20 pm
KEN good call. How bout that D. Watch out for that Seattle RB. He hit New Orleans harder than Katrina.
Mike Jay
May 11th, 2011
2:21 pm
“it’s a sorry state of affairs when the FAILCAN fans talk more about the SAINTS and the PANTHERS than their own team”
hahahaha. Coming from you? hahahaha. you can Falcants sure do make a nice couple. You guys going to wear matching paper bags this season?
Chucktown38
May 11th, 2011
2:26 pm
I wonder how much Carolina had to give Cam’s dad to draft him?
The thing on Drew Brees' face
May 11th, 2011
2:26 pm
Why won’t he remove me??? WHY? Put me out of my misery…I mean, the guy is rich…he’s won a SB…I know last year was rough, getting beat up by the likes of Cleveland and Seattle and all…maybe I’m a security blanket for him…still, I’m so sick of being on his face!!!!
E-Roll
May 11th, 2011
2:28 pm
BirdDirty – Marshawn Lynch is still dragging Saints players down the field.
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
2:50 pm
it’s funny how you falcants’ fans change your names just to comment back to yourself…and to bring up 30 yr history….the Saints have won a SB….they deserve the ‘S’ in Saints…have the falcants won a SB?..or even a playoff game recently….NO…now that’s more recent history that’s relevant…..and it seems to me…last 10 yrs or so…i saw some bags on falcants’ fans heads…i may be wrong…flacants
Bodda Getta
May 11th, 2011
3:14 pm
The Cam Newton statue in Auburn is a great idea.
Great Player. Great University. Legendary Season.
He will do very well in the NFL.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
3:17 pm
yeah you right falCants4ever- check your self kenneth ole girl. your ranking of the saints D is way off. it doesn’t matter now as both of our seasons were cut short. ours was unexpected-your was totally expected but what wasn’t expected was the humiliation of conceding the game in the 2nd qtr and all of the fans bailing out of the ga. tent at halftime. i was even surprised at how quickly the bandwaggon was emptied.now kenney-give us a tutorial on what the failcans have done to upgrade their aging and slow D. how is any different from the comedy sketch they put on against the packers. not even 1 punt. yeah real good D. that could be for your delusion about your team and a certain personal matter that jj let me know about. sorry kenneth-NOT…. lol lol
Hoof Hearted?
May 11th, 2011
3:27 pm
If Matt Ryan played for the Saints, all we would hear in Atlanta is how great he is.
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
3:43 pm
oh…the Saints have had their share of QB issues..aaron brooks for one…now there’s a winner…great arm…no smarts..not like Matty Melt…i’ll give him credit for his smarts…but a weak arm…better than most of us bloggers, but no power…to get any distance, his arc allows defenders time to get to the ball and break it up…i’d be saying the same thing if he played for the Saints…falcants…
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
3:59 pm
no comment from kenny on whats been done to upgrade your aging and slow D. it’s because almost nothing has been done . your D caused almost all your embarassment and yet the 3 stooges drafted O people and of course the much needed punter. my comment about the punter was with all seiousness.- you will need him alot this year
Terry
May 11th, 2011
4:00 pm
falCants4ever, Matt Ryan threw 32 passes that went for 20+ yards, he threw 6 that went for 40+ yard, Drew Brees threw 47 passes that went for 20+ yards and 10 that went for 40+ yard, Drew Brees threw 22 interceptions compared to Matt Ryan’s 9 interceptions so I wouldn’t be talking about someone’s interceptions.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
4:14 pm
terry- why not list-total yds. , attempts and so on? a bit embarassing for the 72 mil -0-2 playoff man isn’t it? i thought so. brees is in the top tier and matty melt is maybe in the middleof the whole pack so stop doing your team a ingignity by comparing him to greatness when he is only mediocre at best
Ken Stallings
May 11th, 2011
4:34 pm
Cam Newton will not start in the NFL assuming there will be a season played in 2011. Even if everything was normal that would have been less than a 50-50 outcome. With the lockout and the assured “rushed at best” minicamp and preseason games, it is a practical guarantee. Carolina will salt this future QB on the bench to learn the NFL season and go with two year QB Jimmy Clausen.
Carolina will likely compete again for the number one pick also, in year two of a very painful rebuilding process. But, with smart draft picks, Carolina can emerge in 2013 as the favorite in the NFC South. Given that reality, the process also results in Steve Smith (their best player) being traded for additional draft picks in 2012 and 2013.
Terry
May 11th, 2011
4:37 pm
hiramsaint, If you need to know all the stats go to cbssports.com, I can tell you Drew threw about 90 more passes than Matt, but we also had a rushing game.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
4:40 pm
@ terry-and with all that-what happened?—-@ ken s.-given that reality?????? what reality
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
4:46 pm
terry – my point was , you can’t use the stats you want to overinflate your qb. we all saw what happened in both of our playoff games . we lost and it was unexpected. you lost and it was a humiliation. ryan has proven he chokes in the post-season and thats just the way it is. what are the excuses gonna be this year for him? he’s a rookie–it’s only his second year–it’s only his third year- what now?
Terry
May 11th, 2011
4:47 pm
We beat y’all out of first place, still hurts do it.
Terry
May 11th, 2011
4:49 pm
(don’t it).
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
4:52 pm
not really-watching the #1 seed get pummeled into oblivion by the #6 seed wild card packers in the ga. tent and then all the so called failcan fans bailing out of there at half time more than made up for it. it truly was an enjoyable thing to see given our situation!
BAMA dude
May 11th, 2011
4:54 pm
falCants4ever
May 11th, 2011
3:43 pm
oh…the Saints have had their share of QB issues..aaron brooks for one…now there’s a winner…great arm…no smarts..not like Matty Melt…i’ll give him credit for his smarts…but a weak arm…better than most of us bloggers, but no power…to get any distance, his arc allows defenders time to get to the ball and break it up…i’d be saying the same thing if he played for the Saints…falcants…
You seem to like… ellipses… though you don’t use them all that well… maybe you went to grade school in Louisiana, would make sense… oh, and plenty of outstanding QBs have won Super Bowls without rocket arms… Montana, Warner, Brady, and Simms to name a few… Marino never won one… Elway didn’t until he was old and Terrell Davis carried the offense… QB is a thinking man’s position… Ryan has what it takes, remember he was only 25 years old and in his third year this year but went 13-3… Manning and Brees were 30 when they got their first ring, Rodgers was 27… Ryan will get his…
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
5:06 pm
bama dude talking about education- now theres an oxymoron of monumental size. lets see—elway won his against who?[snicker snicker]. sorry but ryan got to 13-3 with last second lucky plays that don’t often repeat season to season and some very wierd call from the refs that aren’t very likely again. given those 6 games , it puts the failcans at 7-9 or 8-8 and if you check qb stats , thats where matty melt sits- at 16 -in the middle-mediocre-average and 0-2 in the playoffs.
Terry
May 11th, 2011
5:07 pm
hiramsaint, You sound like a commercial you repeat the same thing over and over, I tire of you so I will agree to disagree with you.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
5:09 pm
forgive me bamadude- you can google oxymoron to find out what it means. it’s not a cuss word
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
5:12 pm
very well terry. your team pride is what counts in these useless blogs but i find the quibbling to be most relaxing after the day is done. good luck this season but don’t tell your friends you heard it from me -lol lol !
Loyal Falcon
May 11th, 2011
5:13 pm
@ hiramsaint licked my sac and mike jay
THANKS!
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
5:19 pm
loyal falcon- with that name , you were gone by half time also weren’t you-your welcome!
Ellis Island, New York
May 11th, 2011
5:46 pm
Auburn University plans to erect a statue for Cam Newton.
Newton did not graduate and attended Auburn for twelve months.
Good thing LSU did’nt erect a statue for JaMarcus Russell.
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2011
6:06 pm
HIRAMAINT-I like and respect you, but to continue making the same lame comments, while ignoring the obvious, especially when the facts are presented to you repeatedly, demonstrates you’re far beyond being delusional. You seem to be suffering from some kind of serious intellectual deficiency.
You call the Falcons 17th ranked DEF aging and slow, although only 4 of our 11 DEF starters are 28yrs old or older. Tell me, if the Falcons are old and slow, what would you call the AINTS 29th ranked DEF, especially when 8 of your 11 starters are 28yrs or older. Our DEF has only one starter over 29yrs old(DE JAbraham), and he was so productive that he made the Pro Bowl with 13sacks.
Your sorry 29th ranked DEF has 3 starters over 29yrs old, DE ABrown(31yrs old with 2sacks), OLB SShanle(31yrs old with 1 sack, 0INTs) and FS DSharper(35yrs old with 0 sacks or INT’s). TALK ABOUT BEING SLOW, OLD AND UNPRODUCTIVE. You AINT LOVING CLOWNS remind me so much of that ESPN commercial where people are completely uninformed and talking out of their A$$es.
The AINTS got their name from their fans, and their fans, based on their total lack of cognizant reasoning ability, should be named the A$$ES, because that’s where most of their ideas, opinions and responses seem to be derived.
truth hurts
May 11th, 2011
6:08 pm
hiramtaint
Are you still here? I know taint’s fans don’t have jobs so they only need to leave grandma’s basement and her dial up connection to buy more booze or to cash their welfare check but when do you go to the bathroom? Oh yeah you are used to new orleans you just unzip and let fly where you are.
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
6:19 pm
ken , read your post and re-direct it at yourself- can you answer as to what the 3 stooges did during the draft to help the D that got whipped on by the packers. i believe y’all drafted 1 D guy very late. now look at what we’ve done to reinvigorate our D during the draft and the quality players we picked up. y’all drafted a punter-c’mon man- a punter when your D needed almost the whole draft to get it on track! then the 3 stooges do a ricky williams deal for a decent wide reciever-not great- but decent. it seems as if y’all were hoping f a would help your ailing D but time is getting short , abe is getting older and matty melt is panty whipped now. looking forward to seeing how the failcan braintrust has messed this season up for you . you better hope there is no season because if there is there will still be no season for the failcans
hiramsaint
May 11th, 2011
6:23 pm
@ truth hurts- i live in the atl area as anyone with a basic education in geography can tell. since you are therefore lacking in that dept. i won’t waste anymore time with you plus the fact that your obsession with my urinary tract function is …well…gay!
Ford Edsel
May 11th, 2011
6:25 pm
The 6-7 Seattle Seahawks revealed how weak the sAints really are.