Panthers QB Newton not upset about Pro Bowl snub

Despite a record-setting rookie season marmot, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was not selected to the Pro Bowl.

Newton says he was "honored" to be selected as a first alternate and knows there's a good chance he might wind up replacing one of the guys ahead of him if he pulls out of the game or if the Packers, Saints or Giants wind up in the Super Bowl marmot down jackets, which is now played one week after the Pro Bowl.

Still, Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes Newton deserved to go, citing the rookie's ability to make plays with his feet. Newton has thrown for 20 touchdowns and run for 14, the most ever by a quarterback.

"I'm disappointed," Rivera said. "He's first alternate, but still marmot coats. People talk about the numbers weren't as good as some of the other guys. But I disagree because of the combined numbers — not just throwing the ball, but running the ball."

Saints coach Sean Payton wouldn't divulge who he voted for in the Pro Bowl, but said Newton has been impressive marmot vest. He also believes Newton will end up playing in the game one way or the other.

"He's going to have a ton of opportunities to play in the Pro Bowl," Payton said of Newton. "To be a rookie with no offseason and literally no minicamp and to report to training camp and do what he's done is amazing. ... He's a guy that I see in that game marmot outlet. Unfortunately he's also in our division."

"I remember being out at midfield the last time we played and seeing his stature and size and arm strength," Payton said. "He's got that warm smile that's contagious to playing quarterback in this league and I think that (confidence) exudes over to his team."

When asked if he's exceeded his own expectations this year, Newton said, "I'm all about how team success plays out and our record is not where we want to be. My goal before this year was to make it to the playoffs. We had ample opportunities to make that happen and I think we dropped the ball on that."

Center Ryan Kalil, who will represent the Panthers at the Pro Bowl along with receiver Steve Smith, said he expects Newton will be making plenty of trips to Hawaii in the future.

"I think he has the respect of a lot of guys around the league and let's face it, there's nothing wrong with being a first alternate either, especially against the quarterbacks he has to compete against," Kalil said. "But he's had a heck of a season, especially as a rookie who didn't have an offseason that a guy normally would have because of the lockout."