Carolina Panthers: Why Cam Newton Can Lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl

Usually, we don't think of 6-10 teams as Super Bowl contenders. But when Cam Newton is anchoring a young team with boatloads of potential, I beg to think otherwise.

In games decided by seven points or less, Carolina finished 1-5, with the lone win coming against Jacksonville. Newton put up yards, and he put up points, but he failed to put up victories.

Sure, Carolina beat Indianapolis, Tampa Bay (twice), Washington, Jacksonville, and Houston (without Matt Schaub), but when games came down to the wire against playoff-caliber teams, Newton failed to come through.

But there's always next year.

For the Panthers, that's a good thing. With one year of experience under his belt, I expect Cam Newton to be a much better player, with rookie mistakes (17 interceptions) eliminated.

Newton was able to pick apart defenses and keep games against good teams close, and even with three interceptions, Newton led Carolina to 23 points against Green Bay while falling short by seven points.

How about a 34-29 loss against Jay Cutler and the Bears. Brees and the Saints? 30-27 defeat. How about the Lions? Panthers loss, 49-35.

When you have a rookie quarterback, it's hard to win tight games. But in his sophomore season, expect Newton to be much more clutch, and expect Carolina to come up on top in these games.

Next year, Carolina has winnable games against Tampa Bay (twice), Washington, Dallas, Seattle, and the entire AFC West, not to mention seven games against talented but beatable teams.

Without Green Bay, Houston, Detroit, and Tennessee (30-3 Carolina loss) in the way, things are looking up for the Panthers.

Right now, we expect San Francisco and Green Bay to take the cake in their divisions, New York and Philly to battle for the AFC East, and Atlanta, New Orleans, and Carolina to battle in the NFC South.

In my mind, Carolina has the upper hand.

Atlanta is a strong team, but Newton's interceptions were huge factors in Carolina's two losses to the Falcons, and the Falcons' blowout playoff loss to New York leaves them out of the list of teams in contention for Super Bowl 47.

New Orleans has a good chance to win the NFC South (and I think they will), but the Saints' defense has struggled, while Carolina won't let Brees put up 45 again. The winner of the division should take the third or second spot in the NFC, while the loser takes the fifth or sixth spot.

Oh, and don't forget some playoff magic.

Towards the end of the season, Newton calmed down and made less mistakes, which resulted in a 4-2 finish, a promising sign for a young team.

During the season's final six games, Newton threw nine touchdowns and just three interceptions, a stat that indicates Newton being ready to lead Carolina on a big run.

If the Panthers make the playoffs, don't count them out. They will keep games close, and with a little Newton magic, a Super Bowl run is possible. Carolina scored 35 points with four Newton interceptions against Detroit, lost by seven with three Newton picks against Green Bay, and were a four-down stand away from beating New Orleans.

So, don't be surprised when the Panthers pounce on the weak teams, and capitalize when the strong ones make mistakes. In 2012, I expect an era of Panther dominance to begin with double-digit wins, a wild card berth in the playoffs, and a trip to the NFC Championship Game.

Because Cam Newton's shown us he's ready. Now, there's nothing anyone can do to stop him.

Newton isn't a rookie anymore.