Over the last 3-4 seasons, this narrative has emerged that Cam Newton is a “running quarterback” and many experts question his ability to succeed as a pocket passer. Mike Shula’s scheme and personnel didn’t do Cam Newton many favors, though in 2015 Cam Newton did win the NFL MVP award and you’d have thought that would silence the doubters.

However, with this transition from the ever average Mike Shula to Norv Turner, questions have been raised as to whether Cam can succeed in this offense. Norv remarked that he felt Newton is capable of mid to high 60% completion percentages, and many scoffed at that notion. Newton has struggled to hit even the high 50s at times, and when the box score scouts look at that statistic without context they see a poor passer. Well, I know why Norv thinks Cam can be successful in his offense, and that’s because the evidence is already out there.

*Hat tip to Highlight Heaven for this compilation. And before we get into the video, I will acknowledge that this is simply a highlight tape from that game, however it demonstrates what kind of throws Cam Newton is capable of when he has time and protection.

In case you didn’t know, that was Cam Newton’s FIRST GAME. Newton was able to step up in the pocket and deliver strikes down field, wide open strikes at that. This kicked off Cam Newton’s world shocking rookie season. So, where did THAT Cam Newton go?

Well, we have to examine the pieces around him first. Back in 2011, he was surrounded by the best offensive talent he’s had as a pro quarterback. Steve Smith kicked off a rejuvenation of his career, Brandon LaFell came into his own as a complimentary receiver, the Panthers stole tight end Greg Olsen from the Bears for a 3rd round pick, and they grabbed another one in Jeremy Shockey in free agency. His offensive line and rushing attack was high end as well, with pro bowl left tackle Jordan Gross manning his blindside next to high end left guard Travelle Wharton. He also had the luxury of starting his career with a Pro Bowl center in his prime Ryan Kalil, and he had the best rushing duo in Panthers history between DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

I’m not saying that Cam needs that much talent around him to thrive, but just look at the protection he had. Look at how open the receivers were, and the strikes he was throwing. Cam may not rush for 70+ yard TDs anymore, but that arm strength is still there. The issue that has plagued him is a sub-par offensive line and receivers who struggle to get open. The Panthers finally recognized this over the last two seasons and have made a concerted effort to give him more proven talent, and cut bait with the guys who didn’t cut it. They’ve invested back to back first round picks on receiving talent as well.

The second piece we have to examine is the scheme. Rob Chudzinski’s scheme capitalized on Cam Newton’s strengths as a intermediate and deep passer, where Newton stood in the pocket and delivered strikes down the field. It is no coincidence that Newton put up his two highest passing yardage totals in his first two seasons in that scheme. Want to know where that came from? Straight outta San Diego, where Chud cut his teeth under now Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Back then, the Panthers defense was so poor that he needed to essentially put in perfect performances for the Panthers to win. Now, they have a defense that can back him up. Norv has seen what Newton is capable of in his scheme, and he’s been doing it his whole career. This idea that Norv is “old school” is ludicrous. In Minnesota, he never had a quarterback like Cam Newton. The scheme is predicated on a passer with a live arm. Phillip Rivers was that, and he was able to fully utilize versatile running backs like LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles.

Will we see a 65-67% season from Cam? I might hold my breath on that, but if Newton has the time in the pocket I think the Panthers have made the proper investment to see a better performance as a passer. There is always room for improvement, but returning to what made Cam Newton so successful in his first two seasons will likely pay dividends.