Cam Newton Shines in Monday Night Football Debut

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton led his team to victory on MNF with four total touchdowns. (Mel Evans)

When a team with a 2-8 record (Carolina Panthers) plays a team with a 3-7 record (Philadelphia Eagles) on Monday Night Football, you can bank on viewership dropping way down. Those MNF faithful who did watch the game though got to see on the NFL's young playmakers shine in primetime once again.

While playing for Auburn in college, Cam Newton always seemed to have his best games in the big moments. Tonight, he made his MNF debut and played well up to his potential. Newton's four total touchdowns (two passing and two rushing) stick out in the box score, but anyone watching the game could tell you that his performance was much better than just that.

Newton was 18-for-28 (64.3 completion percentage) for 306 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He wasn't afraid to take shots down field with an average of 10.9 yards per completion. Newton's two scores were both great passes, a 24-yard strike to Gary Barnidge and a 43-yard bomb to Brandon LaFell.

Newton was also the team's leading rusher with 52 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With his team trailing 15-14, the Panthers offense faced a third down and 12 to go. Newton scrambled and rushed for 14 yards. The run was the turning point in the game. Later that drive, he Superman dove into the endzone to give his team the lead. Newton's second rushing touchdown with 4:40 left in the game helped seal the victory for the Panthers.

Even though the Panthers season may not be going as well as they had hoped, Panthers fans got a taste of just how great Newton can be in a big time game. The front office needs to work on building a team around him. Newton has the potential to be a very special player in this league. He just needs some help and encouragement getting there.