While watching the game I kept an open blog going so check it out for the recap of the Panthers week five loss to the Saints.

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–Terrible attempt at an onside kick there. Donald Driver easily recovers and that is the ball game. Rodgers takes a knee and the Panthers lose 30-23. The Panthers fall to 0-2 on the season, while the Packers move to 2-0.

–Newton takes it himself in for the touchdown. Panthers cut into the Packers lead now down 30-23. Onside kick is up next.

–Newton has thrown the ball 41 times. Panthers have rushed it 11 times.

–And that is probably it. Rodgers hits Jordy Nelson on a slant and he is gone for the touchdown, 30-16 Packers.

– Panthers turn the ball over on downs. Newton taken down by Clay Matthews after he couldn’t find anyone. Held on to the ball much to long.

–Newton runs a bootleg on outside didn’t have anywhere to go and losses yards. Forth down and four. Big play

–From the looks of this right now Jonathan Stewart is the number one running back. he has been much more effective and played a lot more than DeAngelo Williams.

–From replay I am seeing looks like it should be a catch for LaFell. He got both feet down and maintained the catch all the way to the ground.

–What a catch by Brandon LaFell. That is how you go up and get the ball. Wow. But Packers are going to challenge the catch.

– Newton looks a little shaken up after that sack.

–Great run by Stewart there manages to get the first down. (more…)

–Whoa! Was that Steve Smith counseling Jimmy Clausen? I thought he hated him.

–Clausen looks horrible even against the backups.

–At this point I go with Newton as the starter. I think he shows he can make those big plays. The passing will come as will the consistency.

–And Clausen goes down for a sack. He just doesn’t quiet have that speed Newton does.

–Newton’s final line: 6 of 19 for 75 yards with zero INTs and zero TD passes. He rushed for 49 yards and one TD

–Clausen now in the ball game.

–One optimistic thing I have seen in the second half. The defense has stepped its game up a lot.

–Panthers fail to convert on third down, settle for a field goal by Olindo Mare. 24-10 Bengals.

–Nice fourth down conversion there.  A little quick pass to Shockey for a first down.

–One thing Newton has looked pretty bad throwing the ball, but the offensive line has not done him any favors today. He hasn’t had much time at all.

–Guy with a nice return almost takes it to the house, but kicker trips him up. Panthers ball right at midfield. Newton still in.

–A couple of observations

1. Newton needs to be more consistent passing. He has run the ball well today but looks awful passing the ball. He most of his balls are sailing high.
2. The defense can’t stop the run. So far the Bengals have 139 rushing yards on 25 rushing attempts. The interior defense line is getting shoved all over the place.
3. Special teams have things to work on. Armanti Edwards muffed a punt and the whole unit has way to many penalties so far.

– Halftime…. that was rough there. After a nice TD run by Newton it was all down hill. Panthers still have a lot to do.

–Field goal good for Bengals. Now a 17 point game, 24-7.

–Newton crushed on a corner blitz. Never had a chance there. (more…)