Cam Newton and Steve Smith Seem to Be Getting Along Swimmingly

"“One man on him, ‘I’m open.’ Two men, ‘Give me a chance.’ Three men …’Throw it up and see what happens.’ “Don’t ever tell Steve that he’s covered,” says Newton. “You might get one of those looks.”"

Surely Newton is aware of Smith’s very public blow-up at Jimmy Clausen late last year. Not that he couldn’t wreck Smith – at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Newton is built like a linebacker. What’s the over/under on punishing hits Newton delivers to defensive backs in 2011? I would set it at four. Did you see how he just bounced off this Bengals’ DB in the preseason?

As I’ve mentioned before, I love the Panthers over 4.5 wins for the season, and I like Carolina +7 in the opener against Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals (in Arizona!). I wouldn’t even take Arizona in a survivor league this week (with that shitty defense? Maybe never).

Also worth noting: In eight road games last year (0-8), the Panthers only lost two by single digits. They did beat Arizona at home, 19-12, but that was pre-Kolb!

Previously: Carolina Panthers 2011 Preview
Previously: Why did the Bears give the Panthers Greg Olsen for nothing?