Cam Newton: 'Hard work key to Carolina Panthers' success'

Cam Newton has said that "proper preparation" has helped the Carolina Panthers turn around their season.

The NFC South side lost their first two games of the 2013 campaign, but three wins from their last four have left them second in the division.

The quarterback told reporters: "I can't stress enough how much proper preparation can increase the confidence come game time.

"When you come up to the line and you've been coached to expect this look, when you get it, you don't panic. It works wonders. Hard work through the week pays dividends.

"It's not me. It's the offense. The line has been playing great, and guys have been catching the ball and doing something with it. We're playing more confident. We're doing the little things right."

The Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tomorrow night.