Cam Newton vs. Ron Rivera
With how things went down after the ownership change in 2019 I don’t think anyone could have expected this matchup to happen, at least in this way.
Cam Newton was a large part of the extended success of Ron Rivera during his tenure with the Carolina Panthers and the same can be said in reverse. With player and coach having a solid understanding of what each expected out of the other, even though it had some hiccups along the way.
That history and understanding could come back to bite the former MVP come Sunday though.
To field an effective team a coach needs to know the strengths and weaknesses of every player on the field and plan accordingly. This rings truer at no position other than quarterback and Rivera knew Newton rather well.
The team wouldn’t have gotten to SuperBowl 50 if the coach didn’t know the quarterback inside and out. It has been a few years since the two were on the same sideline, but you don’t just forget almost a decade of working closely with someone.
Rivera is going to know exactly how to go after, and contain, Newton.
The things the quarterback does well and the things he tends to struggle with.
Whether or not the Washington Football Team is capable of capitalizing on that is another story. Either way, it will be interesting to watch how the former dynamic duo goes at each other and adjusts as the contest goes on.
Expect lots of smiling and joking as long as the game is going well for the Panthers. There might also be time for a tender moment during warmups between two longtime friends.