Cam Newton: What We Learned About Newton and Carolina Panthers in Week One

Carolina made the right decision with the No. 1 overall pick

When the Carolina Panthers selected Cameron Jerrell Newton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, there was somewhat of an uproar. Newton was not speculated as a No. 1 pick talent, nor was he the top-tier quarterback in anyone’s scouting reports.

A shifty combine throwing performance from the former college star QB was enough to definitely count him out of some analysts’ race for the starting position in the Panthers organization. His dwindling preseason performance did not do much to shake the discontent of those who felt Newton did not deserve to be drafted ahead of former Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert.

Then there was Week 1, Sunday afternoon when the Carolina Panthers traveled to play against the Arizona Cardinals in a game where Newton would go on to break Peyton Manning’s Week 1 passing yardage record of 302 with 315 yards of his own, and that was only at the close of the fourth quarter.

With three touchdowns, two passing and one rushing TD of his own, Cam may have silenced 80 percent of his critics who needed proof that he deserved a chance to start at the NFL level. The interception Newton threw into double coverage was a rookie error, but the tackle to stop the return was a sign that he would be a QB who refused to give up even when a monumental mistake had been made.

Discounting a silly celebration and an interception in the game, Newton proved himself, even if only for a moment. Newton set records Sunday afternoon, ending the game with 422 yards of passing offense.

Steve Smith Will Be Second Biggest Reason For Panthers Comeback

Not only was Newton’s star shining brighter than any other rookie Sunday, but Steve Smith, his primary target, should be praised in having something to do with making the rookie QB look so good. Yes, Newton’s arm is a bullet wrapped in black, Panther blue, silver and white.

However, Smith’s eye for the ball gives off the notion that the two will create a dynamic that may not have been victorious today, but will see the light of victory sooner than later. Smith had eight receptions equaling 178 yards in Carolina’s season opener against Arizona and racked up two touchdowns on the way to a disappointing one score loss to the Cardinals.

The game was not won on paper. But, Carolina’s offense is much different than it was with Jimmy Clausen leading the charge. It is apparent how comfortable the receiver is with Newton’s arm, strength and fortitude on the field, and did not show a single sign of dismay for any rookie mistakes Newton may have brought forth.

Giving him time to relish in the moment of his first official NFL start, Smith and Newton have already molded themselves into a force to be reckoned with in the eye of any defender hoping to strip them of any opportunity.

Carolina’s Defense and O-Line Needs Sculpting

While we can praise the efforts of the offense, especially rookie QB Newton, day in and day out, the notion still remains that there were way too many gaps in Carolina’s defense. Kevin Kolb was presented too much time on several plays to make completed passes for valuable yardage and wipe any lead the offense provided the squad clean.

Missed tackles and missed blocks that refused Newton a chance at adequate time to get the ball off were just a few of the reasons the Panthers walked out of the University of Phoenix Stadium with their heads hanging, wondering how such a staggering performance was not good enough.

The Panthers’ defense suffered a huge blow when Jon Beason was carted out of the stadium due to an ankle injury. As a team captain, Beason’s value to Carolina is inevitable. After being marked questionable for the game against the Cardinals in the first place, the $50 million man is a steadfast reason why the Panthers were able to stop Kevin Kolb’s drives so efficiently during his time on the field.

When he was taken out of the game indefinitely, Panthers players had to know how shaky the results of this game would be in his absence. Coach Rivera must figure out how long Beason will be unavailable and what needs to be done for Dan Connor to physically live up to his defensive presence.

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