Since the NFL began keeping the game logs from pre-season games in 2006 we've seen fifteen different 1st round quarterbacks and now Cam Newton is just one of four. Why you may ask? Well, Newton and his three cohorts are the only rookie QBs drafted in the first round who did not commit a turnover in their first pre-season. 

While far from an indictment of players like Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman who threw INTs, it is rather auspicious that Newton joins the ranks of Sam Bradford and Joe Flacco who failed to turn the ball over their first four professional games. Okay... so Matt Leinart failed to turn the ball over too, but we don't really need to talk about him, do we? 

The fact is, Cam Newton protecting the ball was probably one of the major reasons he was named the starter last night. The biggest challenge for a team looking to start a rookie QB week one is the fear he'll cough the ball up early and often. It's important to note here that both Sam Bradford and Joe Flacco started their first year and failed to turn the ball over in the preseason.

Cam will make mistakes, he will throw untimely interceptions and likely cost the Panthers a game or two, but as it stands he's done everything to keep the ball in the hands of the offense and for now, that's enough.