Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 31: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watches on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 31: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers watches on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers

Can quarterback Cam Newton return to his MVP ways?

Two seasons ago, and coming off an MVP campaign, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was on the verge of being considered the next NFL elite signal-caller.

But then, 2016 happened.

Maybe the Panthers were still reeling from their loss in Super Bowl 50. Or, perhaps, there were more pressing questions.

Nevertheless, Carolina dropped to a disappointing 6-10 record, and Newton was at the center of the team’s struggles. His offensive line didn’t help — he was sacked 36 times — and his 52.9 percent completion percentage marked the lowest it had been over his six-year career.

True, adding a weapon like running back Christian McCaffrey via the NFL Draft should help. But Newton is going to have to return to his old form for the Panthers to get back on track.