Newton’s Attitude Unites Charlotte

Even though the Carolina Panthers are dead-last in the NFC South this season, something incredible is taking place in the city of Charlotte this fall.

While Cam Newton was already a household name before the Panthers drafted him out of Auburn, he is definitely reaching superstar status here in the Queen City. You can't go anywhere in Charlotte without seeing a fan wearing Newton's No. 1 jersey.

With the NBA unfortunately still in lockout mode, clearly sports fans in Charlotte are clinging to the Panthers each week for their helping of professional football and I think Newton is the best thing on the menu in these parts.

When it comes to understanding the Charlotte sports scene, I'm a total outsider. I'm from sports-rabid Boston, but now live outside of the city. When I first arrived here in 2008, I was often told that Panthers fans aren't loyal and they leave by halftime. I've been watching the games closely on television this season and I don't see any mass exodus at halftime.

Newton and the Panthers have clearly been competitive each week and are far better than their 2-5 record suggests.

One of the things I find fascinating about Newton is his uncanny ability to rush the ball. He leads the team in scoring with seven touchdowns and tied the rookie record on Sunday against Washington.

Newton's touchdown against Washington in the 3rd quarter was absolutely superb. When at first he appeared to hand the ball off to Jonathan Stewart, Newton rolled out of the pocket unbeknownst and went 16 yards to the end zone.

What I really enjoy about watching Newton is his utter lack of fear of carrying the football. Earlier in the game against Washington, Newton was throttled at the goal line by London Fletcher. With 3rd and goal on Washington's eight-yard-line, Newton couldn't find a receiver and took matters into his own hands. I love that about this guy.

Instead of throwing the ball out of bounds and setting up a field goal, Newton decided to go for it. Newton's gutsy move didn't payoff but it clearly showed his determination to do whatever it takes to put points on the scoreboard.

Newton's numbers as a quarterback to need improvement. He's thrown nine interceptions in seven starts, so far. But against Washington, Newton had zero interceptions and was 18-for-23 with 256 yards. The only other game in which Newton had not thrown an interception was in a 16-10 victory against Jacksonville on Sept. 25.

Newton's thrown three picks in two games this season and that's OK. He's a rookie and it appears that Newton is improving each week.

What Newton and the Panthers must do at home this Sunday is beat Minnesota. The Vikings come into Bank of America Stadium limping at 1-6. After the benching of veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb, Christian Ponder debuted in his first start and nearly beat the defending Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers.

By beating Minnesota, it would be the perfect way for the Panthers to sail into their bye week, with a record of 3-5. There's no reason whatsoever that Carolina cannot finish the 2011 season at 8-8. The Panthers host Tennessee after the bye week and could likely win that game, too.

Here's to hoping that Newton remains healthy this season. Charlotte sports fans need a leader and Newton's just the guy.

In the years to come, surely Carolina's front office can continue to build a Super Bowl winning organization around Newton. Look at what the Detroit Lions are doing this season. Although it remains unclear whether or not quarterback Matthew Stafford will start against Denver Sunday, you've got to think that this team can definitely win the wild card and make the playoffs if Stafford remains injury free.

It will be interesting to see what the Panthers do against Detroit when they visit the Motor City on Nov. 20.

What I like about this year's Panthers are that they remain interesting. First-year head coach Ron Rivera has found something here. Something that should last for many years to come.