Cam Newton's return to the Carolina Panthers was something out of a Hollywood film. He came in for just a few snaps, completing both a passing and rushing touchdown and helping secure the 34-10 win.

But after the honeymoon period ended and Cam Newton took the reins for real, the Panthers have largely struggled. They've gone 0-2 in the games he's started thus far, with the Week 12 drubbing at the hands of the Miami Dolphins wiping away any of the fairy dust left.

After hearing the word “playoffs” during the Panthers' midweek press conference, Cam Newton got real on where the team, and he himself, stands.

Via Pro Football Talk:

“Can we please stop mentioning that word?” the Panthers QB said. “I’m trying to get a win. Hell. I’m 0-2. All right? . . . .The important thing for me is, yeah, we know what the grand scheme of things is, but the reality is, like, I’m 0-2. . . .This ain’t no Cinderella [story], like I’m here to win football games. . . .  I’m here to win. And when we win, everybody else gets promotions. And when you don’t, a lot of people are gonna get cut along the way. So that’s just the harsh reality of the league that we play in.”

Cam Newton will be the first to tell you that it's not a guaranteed happy ending now that he's back with the team that drafted him. While he's still the starter despite their struggles, he admits that not everyone is safe if they continue to tumble in the standings.

Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady was an immediate casualty, and Newton took responsibility for the coach losing his job. But safe to say he doesn't want anymore proverbial blood on his hands.

“Do I think I had something to do with it?” Newton said. “The competitor in me, absolutely. Yes. Because the truth of the matter is you don’t lose your job because of success. But where I’m at now is doing what I can control to make sure I have a job, too. Let’s just be honest.”

Cam Newton and the Panthers need a win in the worst way – both for their playoff aspirations and job security. Look for them to leave it all on the line against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.