2012 NFL Offseason: Cam Newton Eyes Improved Second Year in Carolina

Here's a scary thought: Cam Newton, whose 2011 was arguably the finest season by a rookie the NFL has ever witnessed, says his improvement this offseason is already "through the roof."  

Newton made the remark while visiting Auburn, the site of his emergence as an elite NFL prospect, as he and fellow teammates from the university's 2010 National Championship team were honored with a commemorative statue.  

Despite the fact that Carolina has yet told to hold any organized team activities, Newton is already deep into his preparation for his upcoming sophomore season. He is aiming to improve on certain facets of his game such as decreasing turnovers, an area that plagued him at times in 2011. 

"I've had the whole offseason to work on the things that I feel like I need to get better at (and that) will come into fruition. With the upcoming OTAs, I feel like that's another time for me to get better."

The fact that Newton is as determined to improve on his game should only further enhance the fear that fellow NFC South Division rivals are already experiencing with the prospect of continuing to face him twice a season for years to come.

It's also a tremendous sign for the continued upward trajectory of the Panthers franchise, one that has rapidly reversed its fortunes since its dismal 2-14 season two years ago.  

With Newton under center, veteran receiver Steve Smith locked in with a new extension, a stable of capable running backs in the backfield and an improving roster, Carolina has already emerged as a candidate to make a sizable leap in the wins column in 2012 (although they need to address a porous defense in the upcoming draft). 

As Newton showed in 2011, his physical talents are nearly incomparable in the NFL.  Add those talents to a dedication to improvement, and the sky truly is the limit for Carolina's Superman.