The Carolina Panthers chose Newton as the #1 overall draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and many doubted Newton's ability as an NFL quarterback. The main focus of his criticism concerned him playing in Gus Malzhon's spread offense while at Auburn. Many claimed the spread offense ruins the development of quarterbacks at the college level and it would be hard for him to ever be able to transition to playing under center. However, Brad Gagnon For Goal-Line Stand pointed out how people "continue to question Newton’s future because he played in a spread offence at Auburn, all the while ignoring that...Sam Bradford and...Colt McCoy did the same thing. I keep hearing that Blaine Gabbert is more NFL-ready than Newton, but Gabbert, too, played in a non-pro-style offence in college."

Another, even harsher criticism, came from Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki concerning Newton's character and personality. Nawrocki stated Newton is "Very disingenuous – has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law – does not command respect from teammates and will always struggle to win a locker room…Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness – is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable." In other words, Nawrocki was calling Newton a lazy camera whore that would rather cheat than work hard to get the job done. Hmmm...ok. 

Nawrocki continued in the Summary of his Scouting Report saying Newton is "[a]n extremely talented, dual-threat QB who carried Auburn to a national title, Newton has the arm and athletic talent desired in a rollout, play-action, bootleg vertical passing game and would fit ideally into an offense such as that of the Redskins or Raiders. However, he always will test the rules, be difficult to manage and lacks the intangibles to win the trust of a locker room. Will require a very strong-willed, demanding coach to live up to his potential and avoid the trappings of fame and fortune, but even the greatest taskmaster will not be able to keep away the drama that is still swirling from a stained Heisman Trophy and littered recruiting trail that Newton left in the SEC. Can provide an initial spark, but will quickly be dissected and contained by NFL defensive coordinators, struggle to sustain success and will not prove worthy of an early investment. An overhyped, high-risk, high-reward selection with a glaring bust factor, Newton is sure to be drafted more highly than he should and could foreclose a risk-taking GM's job and taint a locker room."

Well, if you saw Newton's first game against the Arizona Cardinals, I think it is fair to say he debunked Nawrocki's attempt to assassinate his character, leadership skills, and locker room presence. Newton was smiling, chest-bumping, and having fun with his teammates throughout the game. And, oh ya, concerning how well he would perform, check out his statistics:

24 pass completions; 37 passing attempts; 64.9% completion percentage; 422 yards passing; 11.4 yard average per pass; 2 touchdowns; 1 interception; 110.4 NFL passer rating. Now it seems the tune of the critics has changed. Here are a few articles, recently published, written about Newton's NFL debut:

• Charlotte Observer: Newton Shows Unexpected Poise in NFL First Game
• Pro Football Weekly: Cardinals Spoil Newton's NFL Debut
• ESPN: Cam Newton Makes it Look that Easy
• ESPN: Newton Dazzling in Debut but Panthers Fall Short