CHARLOTTE - Cam Newton drops back in the blazing sun, the skyscrapers of downtown Charlotte serving as the backdrop, and zings a short pass as the small number of people observing practice all gaze upon him.
It's a familiar scene, albeit in a different time slot.
As a rookie, Newton's debut on the Bank of America Stadium practice fields had to wait until the dog days of August. This year, he's got that certain spring in his step in May.
"We need to take full advantage of the OTAs, because this time last year I was just working out every single day with just a couple of pages to go by," Newton said. "There's nothing like having organized team functions like this where you can talk to your coaches and ask them things that are going to make you better. It's great to be getting reps - mental and physical.
"It's been great. We've had full participation, which is something you look for. It's a start, a good sign. Everybody is coming out here fresh, with the mentality to work and get better. That's all you can ask."
After the Panthers picked Newton No. 1 overall in NFL Draft last April, he had to wait until training camp three months later before getting to work because of the NFL's work stoppage.
Still, with little lead time, he directed an offense that ranked last in the NFL in yards and scoring in 2010 to top-seven showings in both categories in 2011.
Now, he and his teammates are getting the benefit of a full offseason program.
"OTAs are going great," left tackle Jordan Gross said. "I like our team a lot. We're young, excited and healthy, which is really good. Cam is looking good, which is a huge key to what we're doing. I'm excited about what we can be.
"We need to pick up right where we left off and get better and better. Other teams are going to have the whole offseason to work on what we did. We need to have new things to surprise them with. That's the challenge for us. I think we're up for it."
Newton, coming off a season that earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is trying to set the pace.
"He's really maturing and becoming what you hope for in your starting quarterback," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "You're seeing the continued evolution based on what happened last year and how we finished the season out. Now he's just working and encouraging his teammates to keep working hard.
"He's pushing himself. Cam doesn't just say it; he does it. I'm pretty excited about what we're getting from him as far as his overall development as a football player and a leader."
Newton took on more of a leadership role late in his rookie season, but he isn't jumping to any conclusions. Proven defensive leaders like linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis are back from season-ending injuries and are taking part in OTAs on a limited basis, and the offense returns veteran leaders like Gross, Steve Smith and Ryan Kalil.
"This is a lot of people's team," Newton said. "I'm not going to go out on a limb and say this is my team because it's not. There are players that were here way before me – Smitty, Jordan, Jon and those guys. I'm just trying to pay homage and fit wherever I can fit in. The leadership will rise to the top."
Respect for his elders notwithstanding, Newton intends to rise to new heights this autumn as opposed to falling victim to a sophomore slump.
"Everybody is being held accountable," Newton said. "The playmakers are going to have to make plays. The leaders are going to lead. If you have to ask yourself what you are, you're neither.
"There were some good things last year, but I still feel like I can do a lot of things better."
