Carolina Panthers: 5 reasons they’ll return to playoffs

1. Cam Newton

Newton is a divisive quarterback among NFL fans and executives. Those who don’t like his game, point to his inaccurate passing as the reason he’s just an average NFL starters. His supporters point to his ability to will the Panthers offense to success as evidence he should be considered an elite player at the game’s most important position.

The fact that Turner was brought in to improve Newton’s completion percentage makes it obvious the organization acknowledges some of his flaws. In fairness to Newton, this is the best group of receiving talent he’s had the chance to work with during his career. That, combined with Turner’s tutelage should give everyone a very clear chance to evaluate what Newton is capable of in that department.

Don’t expect him to really change the way he plays though. Part of what makes Newton so dynamic is his willingness to go for the big play. Sometimes that means throwing the ball deep down the field to receivers and other times it requires him to make captivating runs from scrimmage.

The obvious truth is that the Panthers will only be able to go as far as Newton will take them in 2018. He’s the unquestioned leader of the offense and is the biggest personality on the team by a country mile. He is loved and hated pretty equally around the NFL, but he certainly cannot be ignored. He’s the Panthers’ ace in the hole when they need to make a play. Newton is the single biggest reason to back them for a playoff push this season.