Panthers three key matchups to watch against Redskins

4 of 4

CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 03: Josh Norman #24 and Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers congratulate each other on their 27-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals after their NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Bank of America Stadium on January 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Newton vs. Norman

Cam Newton vs. Josh Norman is the matchup I am looking forward to on Sunday. Both players have come out this week and said they are excited for this matchup and it should be a good one-on-one battle to watch.

Norman has quite frankly never been the same since he left the Panthers. As I have said before, he really benefited from having a strong front seven in Carolina. Particularly this season, he looks like he just does not have what it takes to be a top corner anymore. He struggled last week against Washington and the Carolina Panthers wideouts should give him fits. Particularly if he is matched up with Devin Funchess, there is a chance he could struggle.

Funchess is the team’s leading wideout with 238 receiving yards on the year. Averaging 13.2 yards per catch, he knows how to spread the field. I would look for Newton to target Funchess early and often. He is their go-to guy and with Norman struggling at the moment, that could be a matchup the Panthers could exploit.

Home/Carolina Panthers News