As the losses pile up and the frustration continues to mount, it has become clear that Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton has a hard time dealing with defeat.
Moral victories? The No. 1 overall draft pick isn't interested in those.
"I mean, you've got standards," Newton said after Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Saints. "And when you don't meet that quota on yourself, you just ask yourself why. There's a reason we keep losing. And I want to know the reason."
As best it can be explained, it's just one of those things.
Newton's sentiments are understandable. What a culture shock going from winning a BCS national championship and Heisman Trophy at Auburn to joining an NFL team that went 2-14 last season. Adding to the frustration is the fact that all four of the Panthers' losses this season have come by seven or fewer points.
That being said, Newton has to understand that wins will be hard to come by this year. That's the reality of the situation in Carolina. In the meantime, all he can do is continue to play well and keep his head up. Eventually, things will change for the better.
"More than anything else, he gives them hope, and confidence, and a chance to win each time they play," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "That's the biggest difference in them right now."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
