At this point, everyone understands Cam Newton. Huge ceiling with huge bust potential. Chances are you either think he's our QB of the future that can take us all the way, or you think he's Jamarcus 2.0. Regardless of how Cam Newton turns out, it's a good thing the panthers took him.  

Over the past few years the panthers have turned into the most conservative, boring and unimaginative team in the NFL (John Fox).  However, all of that changed in one pick.  Not only did we take a franchise QB in the first round, but we took what is probably the most uncertain #1 pick of all time.  If 3 years ago someone told me the panthers would be drafting a QB at number 1 with an uncertain past, has never run a pro offense, may not be smart enough to read defenses, is under investigation for getting paid by his school, BUT has the potential to be the greatest of all time if he applies himself I would never believe it. By drafting Newton, the panthers are showing a new mentality.  A mentality committed to being great by actually taking risks.  And they did it by making the biggest draft gamble ever.  Regardless of how Cam Newton turns out, I'm glad we took him.  Even if Cam Newton flops, right now I'm legitimately excited about the panthers and our new direction which is something I haven't been able to say in a long time.

No more going 7-9 or making the playoffs every other season, the Panthers are going boom or bust.

And kudos to JR for not only acknowledging the passing game as the way to win, but acting on it.

(Let's hope I still feel this optimistic 3 seasons from now)