NFL Fact or Fiction: The Carolina Panthers Will Be Next Year's Buffalo Bills

Cam Newton is simply having an extraordinary rookie campaign and we're still only less than halfway into the season. The wins haven't poured it in yet for Carolina but I'm betting Panther fans are salivating at what this team can become rather than what they are now.

The Buffalo Bills under Chan Gailey are one of the surprise teams in 2011 despite the low expectations heading into the season. The Bills finished with a lowly 4-12 record last season but showed promise especially on offense. 

The Panther are a relatively young team but they have young and promising pieces that will grow with Cam Newton. Like the Bills, the Panthers will have success and I believe that will be sooner than later. I fully expect and predict a turnaround season for this Carolina Franchise. Here are some reasons why. 

Strong Running Game

Both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have struggled in the early parts of the season, but I don't expect this to continue.

It seems the offense has become pass heavy, which is surprising considering the Panthers are starting a rookie quarterback. That says more about Newton's development than the Panthers philosophy on offense. 

The Panthers have a solid offensive line and have been successful in recent seasons as a run oriented ball club. I'm not sure if they'll return to that philosophy this season, but the Panthers will realize that a strong running game will only aid in Newton's development. 

Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills has always been one of the more underrated running back's in the league. He's getting a lot more recognition this season, and rightfully so, and not only for his statistical impact, but for the team's success. The Bills have a 4-2 record largely because of Fred Jackson's performance in the running game and as a receiver in the backfield. 

Once the Panthers return to running the ball, I fully expect the wins to start pouring in. 

QB Play

Like I stated before, Cam Newton is having a great rookie season but that isn't translating into wins. Newton can't carry a team at this point in his career, but these first six games have shown me that it won't take long for the rookie to join the ranks of the elite. 

It took Fitzpatrick a while to find the right system that could emphasize his strengths, but Newton is a different story. Cam Newton has found success early on in his career, but what he does to continue to improve will go a long way in determining how successful the Panthers become. 

Newton has to be more decisive with his throws. The game will slow down for Newton in season 2 and with that we should expect more wins. 

Coaching Stability

Ron Rivera, a former defensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, isn't have much success in his first year as a head coach. The Panthers are 1-5 and could be headed for a top 5 pick in 2012 NFL draft. Despite their lack of success, I still believe Rivera is an excellent coach. 

Rivera added some experienced assistant coaches to his staff to aid his transition, and I especially loved the hire of veteran offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The offense has been tailored to emphasize Newton's strengths, similar to what Gailey is doing in Buffalo with Ryan Fitzpatrick. 

Like Rivera, Chudzinski was a former assistant coach in San Diego and played a huge part in Antonio Gates success during those seasons. 

What Rivera must improve is that young but promising defense. The defense has some nice pieces with Jon Beason and Charles Johnson leading the charge, but they'll have to get some interior line help because they're 31st against the run. 

Like Gailey, who is a mastermind on offense, I expect Rivera to make a mark in his area of expertise, which is on the defensive side of the ball.