(Image source: New York Daily News)

BY STEFANIE REDDING

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

You're watching multisource sports news analysis from Newsy.

The NFL is back -- and a much-anticipated rookie made his preseason debut. Here’s HLN.

“Well, after a year of controversy, both on and off the field, Heisman Trophy-winner Cam Newton making his NFL debut last night with the Carolina Panthers. Newton showing why he was the top overall pick of this year’s draft. How about that throw? Between two defenders, right on the money...”

Now the question critics are asking -- was his performance good enough for a starting spot? Here’s how ESPN Sports Analyst Herman Edwards sees it.

“My impression of Cam Newton is very simple. I think when he entered the game he took command in the huddle that’s what you need to do if your are going to play quarterback in the national football league.This guy is tough. He’s physical. He is learning how to play quarterback inside the pocket if he is going to be successful in this league he has to be able to do that. Last night was a good indication that he is headed in the right direction.”

But while Newton played a good game, he still has his flaws. A writer for NBC Sports points out a few of the rookie’s shortcomings.

“He did a lot of throwing off his back foot.  His accuracy was on and off, although he hit a few big plays.  The Panthers didn’t move the ball consistently, and Newton took a couple of hard hits.”

The Panthers won Saturday night’s game against the New York Giants 20 to 10. And some are saying Newton outshined starting quarterback Jimmy Clausen. But CBS Sports blogger Will Brinson says -- with the two so close, Newton’s a good-news/bad-news situation --- and Clausen’s good but fans might not want him to start.

“[Newton is] a freak. A totally different package of size, strength and speed than we've ever seen in the NFL. But as expected he isn't precisely polished. That's the bad news. The good news is that Newton has clearly progressed from where he was when we last saw him. ... even though Jimmy Clausen played pretty darn well... there could be riots in Charlotte if Newton doesn't start right away simply because he oozes potential.”

Newton finished 8-of-19 for 134 yards.

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