Panthers QB Cam Newton now has a huge statue of himself to go along with his Heisman Trophy and AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He also has outsized expectations for Year Two. "With reviewing all the games from last year, I feel that the improvement is through the roof for me," said Newton, a few hours after Auburn unveiled statues of him and fellow Tigers Heisman Trophy winners Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan. "I've had the whole offseason to work on the things that I feel like I need to get better at (and that) will come into fruition. With the upcoming OTAs, I feel like that's another time for me to get better." Newton thrived as a rookie despite taking a crash course in mastering an NFL offense after a lockout wiped out most of the offseason. Now, he's also got the security of having Steve Smith around for at least three more years after the wide receiver signed a contract extension on Tuesday. "Having him back is a big thing for not only me as my whole evolution is going to change — to have his leadership there — but for the whole team," Newton said. "We need Smitty not for what he does at the receiver position but for the leader that he is, how much he holds everybody accountable. I'm excited for him." Source: Associated Press
