Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton Is Becoming a Complete QB

When Cam Newton was an Auburn Tiger he was widely regarded for his ability to extend the play, evading the defense with his shifty footwork and keeping each and every drive alive. But after coming to the NFL, he's slowly but surely proved that he's not just a one-dimensional player.

Over the past few weeks, we've watched Newton sit in the pocket behind his trustworthy offensive line and deliver strikes downfield with surprising precision. In Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, the young QB waited patiently for his receivers to complete their routes and hit them as soon as they got open.

Newton has silenced the critics who referred to him as merely a scrambling QB and has begun that transition towards becoming the complete QB, he's so destined to become.

But he's not there yet. In order for Cam Newton to become an elite QB in the NFL, he's still got to work on a few things.

In the same game that Newton exhibited the patience to hit his targets downfield, he also showed that he must improve on his short pass accuracy. Two plays after completing a 26-yard strike to Jeremy Shockey, Newton overthrew DeAngelo Williams in the flats, who could've easily gone for 15 yards, had the pass been on target.

For him to attain elite status in the NFL, Newton must complete the passes he's supposed to complete. The short three to five yard passes are key.

Secondly, he's got to learn how to read defenses. I know reading defenses is something that takes time (unless your name is Peyton Manning), but until he learns to identify the blitzing man and adjust accordingly, he won't be a Top 10 QB in the NFL.

Newton's by far has the athletic and physical attributes of a great QB. He's got the speed and the footwork to create plays, and the strength to stay alive if the pass rush gets to him. But once he works on the little things, he'll definitely be in talks around the NFL to be a Top 10 QB in this league.