Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton Why His Rookie Debut Is a Sign of Things to Come

After all of the criticism, support, love, hate, controversy and debate, rookie quarterback Cam Newton finally made his long awaited NFL debut. Oh, and what a debut it was.  The 2011 No. 1  overall pick was sensational in the premiere of his pro career, throwing for a record breaking 422 yards, including two touchdowns,and rushing for another.  Newton’s 422 passing yards were the most for any rookie in a debut.

Unfortunately, the Carolina Panthers lost in their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, falling short by a score of 28-21.  However, silencing the critics and disproving the doubters, Newton still came out a winner.

Kicking off his pro career in the same place where he ended his college career on the highest of notes, as a National Champion, Newton once again stepped on the field with the his unbreakable demeanor and put on a show. The only difference this time was that he was getting paid to do it. (jokes people)

On a serious note though, for those who called Newton a bust, the stats speak for themselves.  For those who said he does not have an NFL arm, how about a 77-yard scoring pass to Steve Smith for his first career touchdown.  For those who said he’s just a running quarterback, how about his poise and patience in the pocket, despite Arizona’s numerous blitz attempts, while completing long passes, short passes, slant routes and crossing patterns on his way to a 110.4 passer rating. Oh and the rushing touchdown?  That was just a bonus, in case we forgot about his crazy athleticism. 

Newton’s only major error came on his one interception in which he made the tackle to prevent major damage.  Call it a rookie mistake, or call it inevitable when a guy is putting up 400 yards worth of passes.  Anyway you look at it, Newton’s performance certainly affirmed his spot as the starting quarterback on an NFL team.

Of course plenty of people are going to call him a first game phenom, or say he still has a plenty to prove, and perhaps this is not unwarranted since ultimately his team did not win. However if anyone knows Cam Newton they know that defying doubt and adversity is what he does.  Need we be reminded of the cold blooded Heisman Trophy winning quarterback that lead his team to an undefeated season in route to a National Championship in the midst of controversy, an ongoing investigation and unparalleled harassment and criticism?

This is only the beginning.  Newton has ice in his veins and pride in his heart that will not allow him to fall to the wayside.  Just because this article calls him a winner, do not be confused.  Newton did not leave the game happy nor satisfied today.  He described the feeling of losing as an uncomfortable one for him and will return to the field humble and hungry.