The Carolina Panthers begin Year Two of the Cam Newton era when they open training camp on Friday, July 27.

Newton, the 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year, exceeded even the wildest expectations last season, throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 TDs last season. He'll try to work on his decision-making going into his sophomore season and cut down on the 17 interceptions he threw in 2011.

Part of the reason that Newton threw for so many yards was that the Panthers were constantly playing from behind, as their defense allowed 26.85 points a game, one of the worst marks in the NFL.

Second-year head coach Ron Rivera was hired for his defensive expertise, and the defense should be more comfortable with his schemes now that they've had a year of practice under their belt.

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