Cam Newton: Quarterback on loss in first start after return to Panthers

Cam Newton suddenly re-emerged as one of the must-watch quarterbacks in the NFL, when the former MVP was signed as a free agent by the Carolina Panthers

Though dual-threat quarterback saw action and even found the end zone multiple times in his debut vs. the Cardinals just days after inking his return to Charlotte, his first true start in the signature Panthers’ uniform came against the Washington Football Team last Sunday.

While the energy in Bank of America stadium was palpable and everyone in the organization was thrilled for the unlikely return of their hero, the Panthers utlimately fell

The former NFL MVP completed 21 of 27 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 46 yards and a score against Washington, but Carolina failed in the fourth quarter with turnovers on its final two possessions.

Cam Newton wasn’t the reason the Carolina Panthers fell in a crucial win with the NFC wildcard up for grabs. The former Auburn star led two touchdown drives early, but Washington churned possessions on offense and was stout on defense. It’s likely his former coach, Ron Rivera scripted a game plan knowing Newton’s strengths and weaknesses.

Still, this is the same quarterback who was surprisingly cut by the Patriots in favor of Mac Jones, the rookie from Alabama.

Cam Newton opens up in post-game comments

With so much surrounding the improbable return of Newton to the Carolina Panthers, the newly-signed signal caller said Sunday’s date held even more significance to him.

The Panthers’ star mentioned Nov. 21 marked thirteen years since his arrest at the University of Florida which led to a career reset and eventual Heisman campaign at Auburn in 2010.

Cam Newton shared the meaning of the day.

“(Sunday) was a special day for me, for more reasons than one,” Newton said. “It was my resurrection day. I’m not sure if a lot of people know. Nov. 21 is a very special day for me. I took a big L in my life. It was a big scar that ended up being my biggest star. I was incarcerated today, when I was at the University of Florida, and this day is always significance of where I came from.”

Still, now thrusted into the role of starting quarterback in a new offense, Newton didn’t shy away from talking about the game and where the team can improve.

“I wanted to enjoy the moment today,” Newton said, via Steve Reed of the Associated Press. “It didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to or we wanted it to, but yet we can learn from it. We have to realize that nobody is going to lay down. I didn’t expect that. I know a lot of other guys didn’t expect that, but it’s still going to come down to us executing the given plan. For me, I am excited what the future holds and it’s going to start with us tomorrow and going over the film and locking in and doing that as best as we could.”

Cam Newton will get his next shot vs. the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.