Cam Newton has not played football in a good while, so the Carolina Panthers faithful were anxious as much as they were excited. Unfortunately for them, their fears came true.

Their franchise QB played mediocre from the pocket as they narrowly lost to the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams, 27-30. Newton actually performed better than Jared Goff, but his 239 passing yards wasn't enough to bring the Panthers their first W of the season.

Cam Newton came clean to the press after the defeat and claimed responsibility for the loss. He felt that he didn't perform to the usual standards that he set for himself.

“(I was) a little rusty. Just have to get on the same page with everybody,” Newton admitted after the Panthers’ season-opening loss to the Rams, per Bill Voth of the official Panthers site.

“I just rushed it,” admitted Newton, who finished 25-of-38 for 239 yards with no touchdowns and that interception by [Cory] Littleton. “Me and Greg got a great rapport. He’d be a good charades partner for me cause I know exactly what he’s thinking, and in that specific time, I was just late to it.”

The game could have changed its complexion if Newton was able to convert one of his passes to TDs. However, the Rams secondary managed to clog the passing lanes just enough to stop him from completing those passes. Christian McCaffrey and Alex Armah brought in the rushing touchdowns instead.

Of course, the season is still long. There are plenty of opportunities for Newton shake off the rust and return to the elite quarterback Carolina fans have fallen for. He knows that more than anyone and will look for an improved performance against the Buccaneers.