Cam Newton: Why Panthers Are in Great Shape with Newton Under Center

So I guess Cam Newton was worth the No. 1 pick after all.

After another stellar performance against the stout Chicago Bears defense, it’s becoming clear that this guy is for real.

Newton ended up going 27-of-46 for 374 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the 34-29 loss to the Bears.

He has a rocket for an arm and is not afraid to use it.

What’s even more impressive is his ability to lead the troops. He has that “it” factor that is so coveted when it comes to QBs. Despite being one of the youngest players in the NFL, he can fire up guys that are up to 15 years his elder.

He has a presence about him that leaves you feeling confident.

The issue with Newton coming out of college was his throwing mechanics. Could he stand in the pocket and make the quick throw 40 yards down the field?

Ask WR Steve Smith what the answer is.

He is the only rookie in league history to throw for 400 yards and he’s done it twice. Another issue people had with Newton was that he relied on his feet too often. Sure he is going to tuck the ball and run a handful of times in a game, but he’s been extremely disciplined in staying in the pocket and not panicking when the pressure came.

Newton is making the necessary in-game adjustments and is executing every throw you could ask.

It’s funny that only a few weeks ago Jimmy Clausen was battling Newton for the starting spot. Then there’s this from the Chicago Sun Times:

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Even after being named the Panthers’ starter, Newton had more skeptics than believers. ‘‘I’m not a Newton fan. I didn’t like him in college,’’ Hall of Fame quarterback and four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw said on Fox’s pregame show on opening weekend. He added that rookies Jake Locker, Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert ‘‘are far ahead of Newton as far as being an NFL quarterback.’’ 

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Everybody is backtracking on their original statements with Newton and now the term Hall of Fame is being used in the same sentence with the Panthers QB.

I’m not going to say he’s a Hall of Famer after four weeks, but it’s clear that the Panthers are good to go at the quarterback position for the next decade.