Cam must make faster reads

Cam Newton says he knows where to go with the football.

He just needs to get it there faster.

Newton will make his second consecutive preseason start Thursday at Cincinnati and is considered the favorite to be the starting quarterback when the Panthers open Sept. 11 at Arizona.

In his first two preseason games, Newton has done a good job getting the ball to his tight ends. But he's only completed two passes to wideouts – both to Armanti Edwards – and has yet to convert a third down.

Newton, the No. 1 overall pick, said reading defenses is his biggest area for improvement.

“You've got to get in the reads faster and quicker. I'm getting to the right places, but this is the NFL,” Newton said today. “Even though you're in the right place, the longer you're stuck on your reads, meaning the longer you take on making that throw, the longer the defense has to catch up.

“If defensive backs are beat, they have time to get back. Some of them may bat it down. The great ones may pick it.”

Newton has not been intercepted in the two exhibitions. But he's looked uncomfortable in the pocket at times, and has struggled with his accuracy – particularly on deep outs.

But he should be helped this week with the return of veteran wideoutSteve Smith, who missed the first two preseason games. Smith and Newton worked out privately during the lockout, and stayed late after Monday's practice for a throwing session that receiver Legedu Naanee also attended.

In other news …

--Right tackle Jeff Otah (knee) sat out after participating in a limited basis Monday. Otah has been dealing with swelling in his surgically repaired left knee.

--Middle linebacker Jon Beason (Achilles tendinitis) remains out. Panthers coach Ron Rivera gave no timetable on his return.

--Rivera said the team is waiting to see how offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz's hip responds to an injection he received within the past week.

--Joseph Person