Cam Newton silenced any doubters, at least for a week, after having a record-setting NFL debut and becoming the first rookie to ever throw for over 400 yards in an inaugural game.

Although the Carolina Panthers went on to lose the contest to the Arizona Cardinals 28-21, the Panthers can certainly breathe a sigh of relief and know they may have their franchise guy behind center.

Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, showed flashes of dominance and finished 24-of-37 for 422 yards, two touchdowns and one INT.

Visiting the same field where he led his Auburn Tigers to the BCS national championship while locking up the Heisman Trophy, Newton silenced critics who said he wasn’t worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick and would have too difficult a time learning to stand in and throw from the pocket.

Panthers’ wide receiver Steve Smith looked like the S.S. of old, hooking up with Newton for eight catches for 178 yards and two TDs; one a 77-yard sprint and another for 26 yards.

Ironically, the 422 yards in this game far surpassed any game Newton had all last season at Auburn where his top two performances that season included finishing with 335 and 317 passing yards.

Originally from Detroit, Tom is an Atlanta-based sportswriter whose work has been published in the New York Daily News, Washington Times, Detroit Free Press and national hockey mags including The Hockey News (Canada) and USA Hockey Magazine. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomFerda

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