Jimmy Clausen is taking snaps as the starting quarterback in Panthers training camp. For now.
Coach Ron Rivera isn’t trying to play favorites, but Rivera found it hard to contain his excitement when asked of his early impressions of Newton.
“Wow,” Rivera said.
Yep. That was the answer. Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer says Newton has “clearly out-performed” Clausen early.
“I mean, he does some things that really light you up and get you excited -- as Jimmy did. Jimmy made some good throws and some good decisions. But when you look at what Cam does, some of those things. His running ability is special. That’s one of the things he brings to the table,” Rivera said.
The Panthers plan to use Newton’s running ability. We know it’s very early, but we’d be surprised if Newton wasn’t the Week One starter barring a total faceplant in the preseason.