Cam Newton Could Cement Starter Status Against Bengals

Carolina fans should learn a lot about the status of rookie QB Cam Newton on Thursday as the Panthers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Coach Ron Rivera has named Newton the starter for the game and is expected to play Cam extensively.

Rivera is not quite ready to name Newton the starting quarterback for the team over second-year QB Jimmy Clausen, but he is almost there. A decent performance against Cincinnati should cement the lineup.

"We're going to start Cam this Thursday against Cincinnati," said Rivera. "What it will do is give us an opportunity to see how he will handle the whole game experience and we'll go from there. We have to continue to evaluate the situation and the circumstances. We've only really gone through 3 1/2 or 4 weeks of training camp. To rush into a decision, I think, would be kind of absurd."

Newton started the second preseason game in a 20-10 loss against the Miami Dolphins. He played in the second quarter and the second half of the Panthers' first preseason game. Cam has performed steadily but not spectacularly, showing off a strong arm but having trouble with his reads, especially on wide receiver routes.

Newton has looked best when throwing short routes to his tight-ends. He will need to hit his wide-outs downfield if he wants Panthers opponents to fear the pass as much as they do Carolina's running game.

Cam should get some help as Thursday night will mark the much anticipated return of star Carolina receiver Steve Smith.

Smith has not played this preseason due to a hand injury but is set to go Thursday. He should give Cam a deep threat the likes of which has not been available to the young QB yet.

If Cam Newton plays well against the Bengals the Carolina QB controversy will come quickly to an end.