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Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins: Keys to a Week 6 win

By Brandon Scott

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #88 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by middle linebacker A.J. Klein #56 and outside linebacker Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Pierre Garcon #88 of the Washington Redskins is tackled by middle linebacker A.J. Klein #56 and outside linebacker Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Cincinnati Bengals v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 23: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dros back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Protect Cam Newton

Always a priority, the results of Cam Newton passing from a clean pocket are significantly higher than when under pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Newton ranks No. 29 in the league when not protected (minimum 100 drop backs) versus leading the NFL in accuracy (86.2-percent) when kept clean.

Against a stiff secondary, featuring former Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, Newton needs to make accurate passes to avoid any possible turnovers. Starting center Ryan Kalil exited last week’s game with an injury but was a full participant at practice and should return to help lead the unit responsible for protecting Newton.

If Newton is given passing opportunities without having to dodge, duck and scramble away from defenders then Carolina should be successful on Sunday. If not, then offensive coordinator Norv Turner will need another way to move the football.

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For grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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