No matter what the pundits say, Kyle Allen is not a better quarterback than Cam Newton. While he’s done relatively well for a backup, there’s no evidence to suggest Allen should be the Panthers’ long-term starter once Newton returns.

The main reasons why so many people are hung up on Allen replacing Newton are the team’s four-game winning streak and some respectable individual stats. If all you’re looking at is the box score, it could be easy to believe Allen is the superior QB. Here’s a glimpse at the traditional passing numbers for Allen with a few popular team stats to boot.

Opponent Completion % Yards Passer rating TD/INT W/L Points Cardinals 19/26 – 73.08% 261 144.4 4-0 W 38 Texans 24/34 – 70.59% 232 89.3 0-0 W 16 Jaguars 17/30 – 56.67% 181 85.6 1-0 W 34 Buccaneers 20/32 – 62.5% 227 104.6 2-0 W 37 Totals 80/122 – 65.57% 901 106.6 7-0 4-0 125

Looks like the kind of QB who’s a real winner. Here’s what’s missing from the picture — aside from common sense.

Carolina’s defense has generated a lot of Allen’s opportunities. The team has scored a total of 54 points off turnovers, the second-most in the NFL.

Allen’s numbers are further inflated from having faced two of the worst passing defenses in the league. Arizona ranks No. 30 in passing yards allowed per game (281.2) and Tampa Bay ranks last at 304.5. He struggled against the respectable defenses of Houston and Jacksonville.

While he hasn’t thrown an interception, it’s not like Allen is avoiding turnovers. He’s lost six fumbles and is frankly lucky that number isn’t higher. Both wins against the Texans and Jaguars could have gone the other way thanks in part to his ball security issues.

Allen has also benefited from a major upgrade at left tackle. Whereas Cam Newton’s two losses came with Daryl Williams at that spot, Allen has had either Greg Little or Dennis Daley watching his blindside. They have done a far better job of protecting Allen than Williams did for Newton.

Christian McCaffrey is the one carrying the offense — not Allen. He’s accounted for 923 of the team’s 2,118 yards from scrimmage (43.5%). McCaffrey has also scored nine of the Panthers’ 18 touchdowns.

Kicker Joey Slye has also carried a heavy load. He’s scored 56 of Carolina’s 166 points this season.

The Panthers have had the best averaging starting field position (33.42 yards) in the NFL.

For an undrafted backup QB, the Panthers should be just fine with how Allen has performed. The idea that the team stands a better chance of making the playoffs with him over Newton is simply absurd.

Once Cam is back to 100%, it shouldn’t even be a debate as to who should start.