2012 Carolina Panthers Team Preview: Cam's Cats Looking To Take The Next Step

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

Despite starting a rookie quarterback and losing two of their top defensive players within the first two weeks of the season, the Panthers surprised many around the league by finishing with a 6-10 record. Led by Cam Newton, the team improved immensely from the 2010 season and could be a crowd favorite to make a further jump this year. Most of the credit should go to Newton, who set a new rookie quarterback record with 4,051 passing yards to go along with 21 touchdowns through the air. Those accomplishments alone would have easily clinched the offensive rookie of the year award, but Newton also did significant damage on the ground, rushing for 706 yards and an additional 14 touchdowns.

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