What's The Real Deal With Cam Newton? Trust Jon Gruden?

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by Steve Lyerly

Story Created: Apr 21, 2011 at 11:08 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 20, 2011 at 2:55 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Carolina Panthers know who they'll be facing "if" there's pro football in 2011.

The Panthers won only two games, finished in last place and hold the number one draft pick - all for being the league's worst team.  So, how does a 2-14 team end up with the NFL's toughest schedule?  

The NFC South.

The Falcons won 13 games, the Saints won 11and the Buccaneers won 10 games. Unfortunately, new head coach Ron Rivera has to face them all twice.  Plus, the rest of the games, they'll face teams like the Bears, Colts and Super-Bowl Champion Packers. 

It's a good thing the Panthers have settled their quarterback situation for next season.  Oh wait, they haven't.

Although it appears Carolina will use it's first selection to take Auburn QB Cam Newton. That may not be the best answer.

ESPN analyst and former coach Jon Gruden held his annual QB camp and, apparently, Cam didn't fare so well.  According to several reports (and even people who simply watched the show) Newton appeared smug, arrogant, and then completely clueless when Gruden started rattling off a snap count.

Last year, Gruden's camp basically crushed the high-selection chances of another young QB, Jimmy Clausen. But, the Panthers picked him anyway. 

Not everyone sides with Gruden.  Former Buccaneers quarterback Shaun King says "Chucky" doesn't do a great job at developing young quarterbacks.  Think about it: Rich Gannon, Brad Johnson, Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia were Gruden's primary starting QBs - all vets.  Young guns, Marques Tuiasosopo, Josh Johnson, Luke McCown and Chris Simms, who all played under Gruden, were never very successful.

Now, it's your turn to "Sound Off"!

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