5 crucial observations from Cam Newton’s performance vs. Washington

Cam Newton got off to the perfect start

If there were any nerves or adrenaline overload where Cam Newton was concerned, the quarterback did not show it on the first drive. This was the perfect opening to the game for the Carolina Panthers, who went down the field for a touchdown to send those in attendance into delirium.

There was a good mix of calls throughout the drive that ended when Newton faked to run before unleashing a bullet into the hands of D.J. Moore. Although the former No. 1 overall selection relied heavily on Christian McCaffrey, he came up with a couple of big plays to keep the chains moving.

Things couldn’t have gone much better right out of the gate. With all the excitement and anticipation beforehand, it was essential for Newton to get himself into a rhythm and set the tone under center.

Something he managed to accomplish in no uncertain terms.

Of course, there was a lot of football left to play. But this opening drive showed that Newton can focus on the task at hand after so much hype before the contest and Joe Brady can scheme things up well enough for his new quarterback despite having only a week within the system.

The next two drives in the first quarter weren’t as profitable. However, nobody expected it to be anything like perfect.