CHARLOTTE, NC — Cam Newton was treated like a starter during his preseason finale. He led one efficient drive, threw a touchdown pass and exited.

Then, after the game, his coach made it official: Newton will start for the Carolina Panthers in their opener. Newton threw his first TD as a pro in Carolina’s 33-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.

“Even with this position given, it doesn’t stop here,” Newton said. “I can’t just sit back and say, `I’ve arrived,’ because we’ve got a long way to go. … The record begins now.”