Cam Newton: Why NFL Rookie of the Month Award Points to Bright Future

When Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton came into the NFL, many believed it would take a while for him to transition from the one-read, spread system he operated at Auburn to a legitimate pro offense. 

After one month as the Panthers starter, Newton has silenced all critics, proved all doubters wrong and set new expectations. 

He was awarded the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month today, and really, did we think any other first-year player was worthy of taking the award from Newton?

I didn't. 

Sure, it's only three games.

Yes, the Panthers are 1-2. 

But Newton is light-years ahead of where the overwhelming majority thought he'd be as a passer and hasn't stopped moving from the pocket to make plays with his feet—the part of his game we all thought he'd have success with early on. 

The award will serve as a benchmark to remind us that the sky is the limit for the 2011 No. 1 overall pick.

It adds to Newton's swagger, which for me, might be his most important, but most underrated, quality.

Think about it. 

He walked onto the field against the Cardinals in his pro debut, not shaken, not worried, not flustered, and then passed for 422 yards.

Kind of like he'd been there before. 

I mean, the kid never lost in college and was utterly unstoppable last season at Auburn. 

Why not have some confidence?

He finally got his first win last week, in a monsoon. 

Newton only threw for 158 yards, but made the critical decisions in crunch time. 

What doesn't he have that you'd want in a young signal caller?

He's got size. He's got a huge arm. He's as athletic as they come. He's deceptively fast. And he's shown he can be accurate with the football. 

I'm not anointing Cam Newton as the next...well actually, there has never been an NFL quarterback with his overall skill set and potential. 

The future is bright for Newton, and something tells me this isn't the last award he'll win.