What More Can Cam Newton Possibly Accomplish in His Rookie Year?

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton made history in his team's 38-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, notching the most running touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season, increasing his total on the year to 13.

Considering how much hype preceded his selection as the Panthers' first overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Newton has handled the pressure well. He looked dreadful in the preseason, initially bolstering his doubter's claims that he couldn't translate his college success to the professional field.

However, week after week, Newton has emerged as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, the only blemish on his stellar stats is his team's 4-8 record.

Those 13 rushing touchdowns have come courtesy of Newton's 99 carries on the ground, earning his team an astounding 519 yards. On a team with two talented running backs, Newton's contributions carrying the ball have been impressive simply because they haven't been entirely necessary.

In the air, Newton has fared just as well. He's completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,207 yards, 13 touchdown and 14 interceptions.

Though those picks are to be expected from a rookie quarterback forced to play from behind a number of games this year, they're his only misstep in what has been a personally-successful year.

The only thing that would boost Newton's rookie year into one of the best of all time is more wins. However, Newton can take comfort in knowing that he's not been the reason for those eight losses.

Struggles at defense have been the primary factor in the Panthers' losing record, with injuries being especially damaging to the squad.

It's clear that even if the Panthers manage to win all of their remaining games, an 8-8 record won't be enough to land the team a playoff spot in the hotly-contested NFC Wild Card race.

There's little more that Newton can do this year to have a better season than he's had already; he can only add to his impressive numbers and hope for better overall team success in his second season.

Newton should strive to improve the little things about his game that make the difference between a quarterback being a talented athlete and a quarterback being one of his generation's best.

More poise when faced with pressure and eradicating the temptation to take too many risks would only benefit Newton through the rest of the season and into the future.

At the same time, he should also focus on maintaining the pace he's set for himself thus far. There's little doubt that Newton won't significantly add to his touchdown total in his team's remaining four games.

He's had just about the most ideal rookie season a quarterback could hope for; while resting upon laurels is never suggested in the very changeable NFL, Newton should be pretty pleased with the season he's managed for himself thus far.