Carolina Panthers: 5 Questions Worth Asking

Oct 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass as tight end Greg Olsen (88) is in the foreground in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 13-9 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Where does Cam Newton stand among the league’s quarterbacks?

It’s so subjective. Yes, there are the usual names such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger. There’s also Eli Manning, Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan.

So where does the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft rank after four seasons? Well, his career touchdown pass (82) to interception totals (54) are more than respectable. Add in the fact that he’s already rushed for 2,571 yards and 33 scores and he’s quite the offensive weapons. But he has also taken his share of punishment, sacked a total of 152 times – no less than 35 times in each of his four seasons.

Those are numbers. What you have seen the last two years is Newton’s ability to overcome shaky play early in a game and still rally his team to a win. This past season, the Carolina running game didn’t really get cranked up until late in the year as injuries were once again an issue, particularly when it came to DeAngelo Williams (no longer with the team) and Jonathan Stewart – who caught fire down the stretch and in the postseason.

As for Newton, he is one of the league’s better quarterbacks. It’s just a matter of staying out of harm’s way while his continues to hone his game.

Next: Adding to the Benjamin?