Cam Newton: Why the Carolina Panthers QB Is a Top-10 QB This Season

He might be a rookie and his Carolina Panthers may be 1-3, yet it is clear that Cam Newton has already made it evident that he is more than ready to be a quarterback in the NFL. His play through the first four games of his career has him without question as a top-10 quarterback this season.

There are a plethora of fans and analysts that, through four weeks of the season, seem to attribute the lack of wins in Carolina to the play of Newton. Yet when it comes down to it, Newton might be the only reason the team is not 0-4 on the season.

The Panthers are a team that struggle nearly in every asset of the game.

They boast a poor rushing offense that seems to be getting worse. Currently, the team is ranked 24th in the league running the football, averaging a mere 84 yards a contest going into the Week 4 matchup. Ironically, Newton is actually 10 yards short of leading the team in rushing with 133 yards on the season and four touchdowns.

Another factor to consider is the fact that the Panthers have arguably one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They allow 143.8 rushing yards per game, a mark that ranks last in the NFL. The defensive line has looked sluggish through four weeks, and it is hurting the Panthers' ability to get back possession and take up clock.

The pass defense is mediocre at best, as the team gives up nearly 240 yards a game through the air, which ranks No. 14 in the league. They are now ranked No. 6 afterJay Cutler threw for just over 100 yards, yet it was more of a preference for the Bears than a success for the Panthers.

Although, the reality of it is, most of the teams the Panthers have played against have used their running game to their advantage and don't necessarily run on a passing game; this is to say the passing defense looks a lot better than it actually is. Take the Chicago Bears for instance, who in their victory over the Panthers, had running back Matt Forte run for a whopping 205 yards, while quarterback Jay Cutler threw for just 102.

Through four games, Cam Newton has thrown for an impressive 1,386 yards and five touchdowns, and has ran for four more touchdowns. He has also ran for 133 yards this season, more than any other player on the team.

If there's something that is certain with Cam Newton, it's that he has put together one of the better first four games of the season that he possibly could have.

He may not get the recognition of a Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, but Newton certainly has shown he has had just as productive a season as many quarterbacks in the league.

Is it safe to say Newton top-10 worthy this season? Absolutely, there is no question.

The 1-3 record speaks to the Panthers as a team, not to Newton's leadership or level of play through four weeks.