Cam Newton: Despite Big Numbers, Panthers QB Still a Work in Progress

Don't get too excited.

Sure. rookie QB Cam Newton had an incredible game numbers-wise in the Panthers' 28-21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Completing 24-of-37 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns is all you could ask for in fantasy-world. It's more yards than Tom Brady has ever thrown in a game.

Despite making quick decisions in the pocket and looking extremely poised, the mental part of his game leaves a lot to be desired. He really forced a throw to Steve Smith in double coverage and it ended up getting picked off by linebacker Daryl Washington.

Newton often locked in to Smith at times and the defense caught on by watching his eyes. He didn't make all of the reads and too often tried to just chuck it to Smith. He couldn't punch the ball into the end zone at the end of the game when he had a chance to tie the game.

Another big factor is the lack of depth for the Cardinals in the secondary. They can't defend anybody right now and will be a doormat for QBs the entire season. The big focus in the defensive gameplan for Arizona was rushing Newton early an often and he knew it was coming. With a light playbook, Newton was throwing to the man on the hot route quite often.

He really began to cool off after having a great first half.

He became predictable by the fourth quarter and now every team in the NFL has film on him. They will notice he isn't great with accuracy when standing flat-footed in the pocket and would much rather make plays on the run.

Forcing him to stay in the pocket is going to hamper his success.

I'm not saying Newton won't improve and turn into a superstar some day—he has a great chance of doing that.

However, after watching him in his first game, it's crystal clear he has a lot to work on with reads, footwork and pocket presence.

Be prepared for a season of many highs and lows Panther fans.