Cam Newton: Controversial QB Only Scratching Surface of What He Can Become

Cam Newton's debut as an NFL quarterback couldn't have gone much better.

He came out playing confidently and aggressively, and he never looked back. By the time it was all said and done, he had completed 24 of 37 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown on the ground.

Sunday afternoon, we saw the beginning of what looks to be an incredible career.

If you asked for a show of hands on who figured Newton would play this well in his debut, you would have very few hands in the air.

Newton had what can only be described as an uneven preseason. At times, he looked great, and at other times, he looked like the rookie that he is.

In the preseason, he threw for 300 yards, he didn't throw a single interception and he averaged 9.6 yards per rush. That's the good stuff.

He also managed only one touchdown pass, averaged only 5.3 yards per pass attempt and only completed 42.1 percent of his passes. Those stats represented the other shoe dropping.

His preseason performance only led to more passionate debate about his abilities by people on both sides of the discussion.

After the performance today, it's hard to imagine anyone making the argument that he can't be a starter in this league. Bad quarterbacks don't put up stats like that, no matter how bad the opposing defense is.

It's unbelievable to think that he could accomplish so much so early. There's no way that he really has a strong grasp on the entire playbook at this point. This was all done on instinct and natural ability.

Things can only get better as he learns more of the playbook and establishes a better working relationship with his receivers.

The Panthers still lost the game, so it's not all positive for them, but it's still a great day for the franchise.

It's early, but it sure looks like they hit a home run when they drafted Newton.