Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick very often get compared to one another. Both quarterbacks run more of a read-option style offense. Along with Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson, all mobile quarterbacks get thrown in together as being the same type of athlete. Newton does not agree with this and as he prepares for his game against the 49ers, he is denying the comparisons between he and Kaepernick.

"Two different players," Newton said, via the San Mercury News. "Being a big guy, being fast and being agile and having the art of throwing like only God has blessed a few people with -- and Kaepernick has it (too)."

Kaepernick and Newton both entered the league in 2011. They both run the read-option, recording just as many rushing yards as passing yards. Both players have significantly strong arms and both can easily shred through a secondary with a little bit of space. Their head-to-head matchup on Sunday is sure to display some offensive fireworks, but Newton stresses that he is not preparing to outplay Kaepernick, he is preparing to face the 49ers defense and not win the comparison game.

"I'm not preparing for Colin Kaepernick," Newton said. "What he does on Sunday will not make any difference to me -- other than if he does score, I will have to respond. And if I score, he will have to respond."

Newton is hoping to complete an impressive turnaround for the Carolina Panthers. After starting  1-3, the team won 11 of their last 12 games to capture the NFC South title and a first-round buy. The quarterback tossed a career-high 24 touchdowns in the process, many to wide receiver Steve Smith.

Newton is certainly hoping to have Smith back in the lineup. The top receiver was back at practice on Sunday after not playing since suffering a PCL sprain in Week 16. Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn have picked up the receiving slack in his place, but only recorded 149 yards in Week 17.

Smith remains confident that he will be active against the 49ers who have a tough defense ready for the Panthers. He believes the injury is fully healed, he just needs to have confidence that his body will respond accordingly. Running back Jonathan Stewart also returned to practice for the first time since Week 14. His knee injury appears to be healthier as the Panthers expect him to play Sunday.