Cam Newton set a number of NFL records and was a constant highlight reel in his 2011 rookie season.  However, Cam looked far from that in a less-than-impressive 2012 Pro Bowl performance.  Cam looked sloppy in his first-ever trip to Hawaii. 

Cam Newton's numbers in the game were 9-of-27 for 186 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.  His two touchdowns came on a beautifully thrown bomb to the "lil playmaker" teammate Steve Smith and when All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald toyed with Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and beat him badly on a hitch route.  Other than those two throws, his performance was lackluster. 

As soon as he took the field you could tell he wasn't into the game.  From his shirt not being tucked in to errant throws to his non-nonchalant mannerisms. 

There was reason to be critical of his play, as it was dreadful.  His critics came out as they labeled him "overrated" and screamed for Matthew Stafford.  However, people forget that it is just a glorified exhibition where nothing matters.

The Pro Bowl is far different than the NASCAR All-Star Race, where the winner receives $1 million, or the MLB All-Star Game, where the league winner gets home-field advantage in the World Series. 

The Pro Bowl is more of a reward for the players who had the best seasons but fell short of the Super Bowl. 

You often heard NBC analyst Mike Mayock critiquing Cam's footwork on his poor throws.  While his words are correct, it shouldn't take away from Cam's terrific season.  Cam wasn't playing with his offensive schemes that make him so electrifying.  Not to mention an offensive line that looked like they had spent the entire week in the buffet line.

Simply put, the Pro Bowl version looked very similar to the 2011 preseason version of Cam, no intensity. But what does it really matter?  Yes, the game was on national television and fans are sure to overreact.  Newton didn't have the flair that made him "must-see" TV and is sure to put the Panthers on several prime-time NFL games next season.

Cam Newton is going to be a heck of a player, and while his play left some wondering about a sophomore slump—don't.  Superman Cam will be fine and lead the Carolina Panthers to the 2012 NFL playoffs.