Cam Newton: Why Carolina Fans Must Temper Enthusiasm

With his historic back-to-back 400+ yard passing games to start his career, Cam Newton has earned himself plenty of praise despite the Carolina Panthers' 0-2 record.

Newton entered into an interesting class of quarterbacks who have thrown for that kind of yardage in two straight games. The list contains Newton, Tom Brady, Dan Fouts, Phil Simms, Matt Cassel, Dan Marino and Billy Volek.

Yes, the former Auburn Tiger deserves the high praise and Panther fans probably enjoy the publicity, but as Bill Parcells said after Tony Romo's impressive first few games in his career "...Put the anointing oil away, OK?"

Newton is an impressive athlete, and at times had the Green Bay Packers stellar defense on the ropes last Sunday, but at some point it would seem realistic that the new Panther comes down to earth. Being lost in all this talk of the NCAA National Champion's performance is his four interceptions to just three touchdowns.

His regression will come soon, perhaps not this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, more likely Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Chi-Town's defense has been showing shades of their previous dominance that brought them to the Super Bowl several seasons ago.

Drew Brees may have been able to put big numbers up against the Windy City defense, but Newton isn't quite in the league of the former Super Bowl champion just yet. Someone Newton is a bit closer to in terms of experience is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who was shut down by Brian Urlacher and the Bears on opening weekend.

It's fair for Panther faithful to be excited about their new quarterback's performance so far, but they shouldn't go crazy just yet. This Carolina offense will be tested in the weeks to come, starting in Chicago, followed by back-to-back meetings with Brees' New Orleans Saints and Ryan's Falcons.