Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has praised quarterback Cam Newton for his understanding of the game since being drafted into the NFL in 2011.

Rivera said that initially Newton's sheer talent carried him through but he has now developed a great relationship with the team's offense.

"I think early on in his career, he played on his true, natural ability," the New Orleans Saints' official website quotes Rivera as saying. "I think, now he understands the offense even more he also understands the opponent even more. I think that's what has helped him.

"He's been very efficient with the football, he's made a lot of good decisions. At times, he has managed the games and at times, he has taken the games over. It's just keeping him in his comfort level and the play-makers around him making plays when they've had to."

The Panthers take on the Saints early on Monday morning.