Cam Newton's Inconsistency vs. Cardinals a Troubling Sign for Championship Hopes

The Carolina Panthers can't be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders until quarterback Cam Newton proves to be a more consistent passer. 

Newton's performance in the Wild Card Round against the Arizona Cardinals ranged from outright missed throws to a few brilliant passes. The up-and-down play seen from the quarterback throughout the season isn't enough to carry the Panthers to the organization's second Super Bowl appearance. 

The victory Saturday was Newton's first playoff triumph. However, it needs to be placed into context. 

Carolina hosted an Arizona Cardinals squad that stumbled to the finish line with two straight losses and was forced to rely on a third-string quarterback who was signed three weeks ago to lead them against an improving Panthers defense. 

The result was predictable. 

The Panthers overwhelmed the Cardinals 27-16, and Ryan Lindley was completely lost. The former practice squad quarterback completed 16 of 28 passes for only 82 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The Cardinals' 78 total yards were the lowest output in NFL playoff history. 

The deck was stacked against Arizona from the start. Carolina should have dominated, but the contest was in question well into the third quarter. 

Arizona actually led 14-13 at the start of the third frame, thanks in part to Newton's inability to capitalize on excellent field position. Four of the Panthers' initial nine drives started in Arizona's territory. 

Finally, a short completion on a running back screen to Fozzy Whittaker resulted in a 39-yard touchdown romp and gave the Panthers the lead for good. 

It wasn't a smooth performance for Newton, though. The quarterback was 18-of-32 passing for 198 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception. The Auburn product also fumbled the ball once and nearly threw a pick-six that was dropped by Arizona cornerback Antonio Cromartie. 

Newton's continued inattention to his technique troubled him throughout the season, as noted by ESPN Stats & Info and did so again Saturday: 

"

Cam Newton had 78 overthrows this season, 2nd-most in the league (Kaepernick, 79). Newton has 5 overthrows today.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 3, 2015"

The quarterback's problems stem from poor footwork. 

Newton doesn't consistently step into his passes. He often fades away from the receivers he's targeting. It's a bad habit that presents itself whether he's being pressured by the defense or not. 

He relies far too heavily on one of the strongest arms in the NFL. 

There are times when Newton snaps off one of the most beautiful passes possible. He can thread the needle between defenders at impossible angles.

But that same confidence in his arm strength proves to be a detriment on certain throws. Newton's sloppy mechanics are simply a byproduct of that confidence in his natural ability. He hasn't always had to diligently work on his technique, because he's always been able to make every throw.

As a result, Newton's overall accuracy hasn't improved throughout his four-year career. In fact, Newton completed 60 percent of his passes as a rookie. His completion percentage was 58.5 percent in 2014. His performance Saturday was simply par for the course. 

John Pollard of STATS tracked Newton's inconsistency over his career, and the quarterback's ability to hit open targets worsened this season. 

The Panthers will be at a distinct disadvantage against whichever team they face next weekend, whether it's the Green Bay Packers or the Seattle Seahawks. 

“We can’t be satisfied,” Newton said after the game, via the Charlotte Observer. “We have a long way to go and we’re anticipating traveling and getting another big win next week.”

While Newton finally obtained his first postseason victory, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and Seattle's Russell Wilson already won Super Bowls. 

Both were also playing at a high level entering the playoffs. Rodgers and Wilson were ranked among the NFL's top 10 in quarterback rating, while Newton finished 26th overall. 

Newton will be required to match these quarterbacks if the Panthers intend to advance any further in this year's playoffs. 

Player	Team	Comp. %	Yards	Touchdowns	Interceptions
Newton	Panthers	58.5	3,127	18	12
Rodgers	Packers	65.6	4,381	38	5
Wilson	Seahawks	63.1	3,475	20	7
Stafford	Lions	60.3	4,257	22	12
Romo	Cowboys	69.9	3,705	34	9

Carolina's coaching staff showed the ability to maximize Newton's vast physical skills at points during the Cardinals contest. 

When the Panthers allowed Newton and the offense to increase tempo and simplified his reads, the quarterback was far more efficient and effective. 

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks noted the difference in Carolina's offense once these changes were made: 

This is when Newton is at his best. He's clearly more comfortable running the system he was so successful in during his collegiate years. It's a system that allows the 6'5", 245-pound quarterback to be a true dual threat. 

Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula doesn't need to build his system around the zone read, though. It simply needs to be implemented to open up everything else. 

Defense have trouble accounting for Newton as a runner. It was clearly an issue for the Cardinals' tremendous defense in the first half.

With the threat of Newton carrying the ball, it widened running lanes for running back Jonathan Stewart. The sixth-year back from the University of Oregon is also adept at running the ball even when he's saddled next to his quarterback in a shotgun formation. Stewart gained an impressive 70 yards on 11 carries through the first two quarters of play. The running back finished the contest with 123 rushing yards. 

Once the offense is opened up for Newton and he's allowed to operate, he looks far more comfortable in the pocket despite his accuracy issues.

Bleacher Report's Cian Fahey noticed Newton's improvement from the pocket: 

"

Accuracy has been inconsistent, but the patience and comfort Newton shows in the pocket has been reminiscent of recent displays.

— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) January 3, 2015"

It's this improved presence in the pocket that makes Newton's errant throws so frustrating. The fourth-year quarterback is the most physically talented player at his position in the NFL. It's time for him to take the next step. He'll carry the Panthers with him if he does. 

Meanwhile, the Panthers backed their way into this year's playoffs with a 7-8-1 record. The NFC South was considered the laughingstock of the NFL. Carolina proved it deserved to be there, though, with its victory in the first round over Arizona. 

The team is going to need more in the coming weeks, particularly from its quarterback, if it hopes to have any chance of advancing beyond the NFL divisional round. 

Newton is good, but he needs to be better. 

Brent Sobleski covers the NFC South for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.