Cam Newton provides spark, defense locks down Cardinals

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Yes, he was back. And it didn’t take long to remind anyone of it.

Or to remind folks that the Panthers could be OK.

They jumped out to a quick lead Sunday thanks to new quarterback Cam Newton, and piled on for a 34-10 win over the Cardinals.

That got them back to 5-5 on the season, and allowed them to set aside the thoughts of losing five of their last six games.

Newton didn’t start, but contributed to touchdowns on his first two snaps.

On the first, he came in for a goal-line package, stiff-armed Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins at the line, and ran over linebacker Isaiah Simmons at the goal line, catching the Cardinals and all the people in State Farm Stadium off guard.

We thought it might take a minute for Newton to contribute, since he signed on Thursday, and only had a brief walk-through Friday and one practice Saturday to acclimate to his new/old teammates.

But on the fifth offensive snap of the game, he was back in the end zone, and exuberantly said so. It was so exuberant he drew a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the shot of energy it provided seemed worth the 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff.