Carolina Panthers earn high marks against Baltimore Ravens

Offense Report Card and Analysis

Quarterback – A+

Newton was near perfect on the afternoon completing 21 of his 29 pass attempts for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, adding 52 yards on the ground and an additional score late in the second half when he pulled the handoff and ran untouched around the outside into the end zone.

Running Back – A

Christian McCaffrey added just 45 yards on the ground and 56 total but also rushed for a touchdown and was the recipient of a spur of the moment grab for a score just before halftime. A deflected Newton pass ricocheted into the air where an alert McCaffrey leapt and pulled it down in the end zone for a touchdown and 21-7 Panthers lead.

Receivers – A

Primary wide receiver Devin Funchess had just three catches for 27 yards as Newton targeted tight end Greg Olsen and rookie D.J. Moore more consistently. Veteran Torrey Smith was sidelined with a knee injury and it allowed for Moore to submit his best performance to date, which including a few runs, in addition to some nice plays made by second-year receiver Curtis Samuel.

Offensive Line – A+

The Baltimore Ravens defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL with 27 sacks entering the Week 8 contest and while they maintain their standing, none were added against Newton. The Carolina offensive line was great all game long, protecting Newton, allowing for a 99-yard touchdown drive and even adding a Greg Van Roten spike after a McCaffrey touchdown.