CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nobody can say exactly what play or game Cam Newton's right shoulder was re-injured to the point he couldn't be effective, or whether it even was one play versus the typical wear and tear that goes with a season.
But when you start looking for reasons the Carolina Panthers (6-9) went from 6-2 and a Super Bowl contender to inconsequential and potentially a top-10 draft selection, Newton's shoulder is the place to start.
It's not the only reason the Panthers are on a seven-game losing streak heading into the finale in New Orleans (13-2), the top seed in the NFC.