4 key observations from Cam Newton’s return at the Cardinals in Week 10

Cam Newton was a breath of fresh air

It was just a cameo appearance. But the return of Cam Newton was a breath of fresh air.

After weeks of mundane, mediocre, uninspiring football, the Carolina Panthers are back.

This was the blueprint Matt Rhule and his coaching staff should follow when Newton assumes command under center in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team. Although backup P.J. Walker can look back on his performance with an enormous sense of pride with so much going on around him.

There was a real sense of belief within the players. Although there were many who made their presence felt, it’s hard to look at Newton’s arrival and not think it had a significant part to play in their shock victory on the road.

As Newton stated during his presser on Friday, this isn’t just a feel-good, Cinderella story. He’s come back to win and judging by what we saw at the Arizona Cardinals, there could be life in Carolina’s bid to secure a surprise wildcard spot when it’s all said and done.

The whole thing still feels very surreal. Just one week ago morale had never been lower after a pathetic display against the New England Patriots and Newton was sitting on his couch wondering when and where a new opportunity would come.

Fast forward seven days and the whole dynamic has changed. Newton has become the beacon of hope once again and someone everyone is feeding off.

Who would’ve thought it?