NFL Rumors: Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton Struggles with Kelvin Benjamin Loss, But Identified As Top Three Quarterbacks This Season

Sep 04, 2015 01:39 PM EDT

The Carolina Panthers have been trying to cope with the remaining NFL stars in its roster. With the 2015 NFL regular season started, the Carolina Panthers are becoming increasingly dependent on quarterback Cam Newton to carry the them to victory. However, the loss of one of his key teammates during training camp, Kelvin Benjamin, has visibly weakened Newton's ability to perform up to par. 

Apart from Kelvin Benjamin, the Carolina Panthers also lost Frank Alexander. With a torn Achilles, the potential starter for the NFL team was ripped away from the roster which prompted the search for another defensive end. With the loss of both Kelvin Benjamin and Frank Alexander, the Panthers were expected to reel in new NFL stars in an effort to provide Cam Newton with the support and protection he needs while on the field. However, the Carolina opted to sign players who, albeit considered vets by now, have exhibited their best years a long time ago such as Michael Oher and Charles Tilman.

However, the NFL stars in the front end of the Carolina Panthers appear to be quite notable. Boasting two of the best linebackers in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis to fill the roles. Another pair who are making headway in conquering the field are defensive tackles Kawan Shortt and Star Lotulelei. Nonetheless, the Carolina Panthers remains a weak NFL team with only Cam Newton working on the offense side this season.

With all these in mind, sports analysts remain positive that Cam Newton can still deliver wins. Predicting the potential outcome of the NFL regular season this year, ESPN "Monday Night Football" analyst Jon Gruden disclosed that Cam Newton is still a formidable force in the NFL despite the loss of Kelvin Benjamin and Frank Alexander. In identifying the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season, the sports analyst rattled on three big men who managed to stand out in the league: Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts and Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.

"Luck and Wilson are two phenomenal talents," shared the ex-head coach of the NFL during a "Monday Night Football" conference call. Gruden went on to add, "Cam Newton, if you're willing to set your offense up around him, he is physically different than any man I've seen play quarterback."

Appearing to take cue from the example of Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Adrian Peterson, who claimed to be the LeBron James of football, the sports analyst pointed out that Cam Newton's greatness resembles that of another NBA legend. "He looks like Charles Oakley or a power forward," said Gruden, referring the NBA legend who exited the courts after a phenomenal run with the Chicago Bulls. The former NFL head coach added, "He is built to last. If he can stay healthy, I think he can throw the football better."