In case it wasn't obvious enough throughout the preseason, it became official Thursday night: Cam Newton is the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera made the announcement after tonight's preseason finale, one in which Newton completed three of five passes for 25 yards and his first touchdown throw in the NFL.
"It's a big opportunity and a big responsibility to be a starter in this league," Newton said. "... It doesn't stop here. We have a long way to go."
Newton and the Panthers will open the regular seasno at the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 11.

Fantasy Analysis:

Newton started the Panthers' last three preseason games, so the team's has been grooming him for this role for a while now. Derek Anderson -- not Jimmy Clausen as I wrote when I first submitted this note -- is expected to be the backup.
Newton is not ready for the NFL as a passer -- he completed just 24 of 57 passes this preseason -- but there is no denying his supreme athleticism and solid leadership. Fantasy-wise, he's a mediocre QB2 in only the deepest of leagues.
As far as his weapons are concerned, I don't like to make much out of August numbers, but it's gotta be telling that Newton completed just five passes to wide receivers during the preseason. It looks like Steve Smith won't be a great fantasy commodity this year while a tight end, while either Jeremy Shockey or my pick Greg Olsen , is going to be worth rostering in all leagues. Newton will be using those safety valves all season long.