Cam Newton wasted no time.
Even without starting the Panthers’ contest in Arizona, Newton got on the board within five minutes. Matt Rhule deployed him in a goal-line package, and Newton ran it in from 2 yards out, stiff-arming a defender and reaching the pylon.
And you better believe he celebrated.
After scoring, Newton proceeded to rip off his helmet. “I’m baaaaaack!” he screamed into the camera.
Minutes later, on another goal-line package, the 32-year-old Newton threw for a touchdown, finding Robby Anderson after rolling out.
So yeah. This could be pretty fun.
Newton is only playing in select packages since he joined the team this week and hasn’t yet fully learned the playbook, or gotten into playing shape. But expect him to be starting for Carolina sooner rather than later (especially if he’s making an impact in limited snaps this week).
He’s one of the most recognizable faces in franchise history, brought the Panthers to one of their two Super Bowls, and even past his prime, could give them a much-needed spark.
Whether he can do enough to help the 4-5 Panthers make a playoff push remains to be seen, but Newton wearing powder blue and celebrating a touchdown looks right.