Panthers’ Newton confident he’ll start

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Charlotte, NC (SportsNetwork.com) – Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is confident he will start Sunday’s home opener after missing the first game of the season.

“Absolutely,” Newton said following practice Wednesday when he was asked if he will be ready to start against the Detroit Lions.

Newton was inactive on Sunday for the first time in his career as he recovers from a fractured rib he suffered in the preseason. Derek Anderson started in his place and led the Panthers to a 20-14 win over Tampa Bay.

“Derek played an amazing game but we can’t dwell on the past even though it was great to get a team win,” said Newton. “I’m moving forward. … My main focus is focusing on the Detroit Lions.”

Newton, a pull participant in practice Wednesday, said he feels “great right now” and “that was the focus” — that he heals. But he wouldn’t say whether or no he was glad he was held out.

“Whatever is best for the team,” he said.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said last week that Newton looked good when he was able to practice, but was careful to caution about the unknown of how his injury would take to being hit during a game.

Newton, who says he’s never missed a football game, suffered the injury in a preseason game against New England when a defender’s knee caught him in a “dead spot” in his pads where there was no protection.

The former No. 1 draft pick led all NFL quarterbacks in rushing attempts (111) and yards (585) last season during Carolina’s run to the NFC South title. He set career bests with 24 touchdown passes and a 61.7 percent completion rate.

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