Prior to Thursday night, Carolina Panthers fans were only concerned about the throwing shoulder of quarterback Cam Newton. After offseason surgery, a second such procedure over a relatively short time frame, Newton made his much anticipated preseason debut against the New England Patriots. Hoping to see a return in arm strength after last season, when Newton was ultimately shut down after battling soreness throughout the second half, fans were instead immediately reminded about the Panthers other deficiencies.
General manager Marty Hurney has worked to surround Newton with viable weapons on offense but if he remains unprotected it won’t matter.