Power ranking all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2018

Power ranking all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to the sideline against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to playing the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

9. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Whether you love him or hate him, no one can argue about Newton’s importance to the Panthers offense. When he’s playing at a high level, Carolina can score points in bunches. When he’s off his game, Ron Rivera’s attack can get stuck in the mud very quickly.

The biggest priority for Newton is to improve his accuracy. He only completed 59.1% of his throws last season. That’s partly a result of his desire to push the ball down the field, but some of it is down to his inconsistent mechanics.

The entire Panthers organization appears to be committed to helping Newton complete more of his passes. Hiring Norv Turner as his offensive coordinator was a move clearly designed to help increase his efficiency. Adding D.J. Moore, Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright to his receiving corps was a clear signal the Panthers was to take some pressure off of Newton to need to make every big play.

It would be foolish to expect Newton to correct these issues overnight. It’s going to be a work in progress all season long. In the end, look for Newton to get his percentage up into the low-60s. He’s never going to be the NFL’s most accurate passer, but his big arm and devastating ground game will more than make up for that one deficiency.