3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat Washington in Week 11
By Luke Tucker
Cam Newton is starting for the Carolina Panthers
When the Carolina Panthers take the field this Sunday, Bank of America Stadium is sure to have renewed energy. Not because of last week’s win or the stellar play of Christian McCaffrey, but because Cam Newton will be back in the starting lineup.
It’s a bit unclear how much he will play, but one figures it will be significantly more than his eight snaps last week. However, Matt Rhule has stated that the former MVP will start against Washington.
Newton hasn’t started a game for Carolina since Week 2 of the 2019 season and hasn’t accounted for a touchdown in Charlotte since Week 12 of 2018. He was originally slated to return to Bank of America Stadium in Week 9 when the Panthers hosted the New England Patriots, but that all changed when he was released in favor of rookie Mac Jones.
Newton gets his homecoming.
Just under different circumstances.
Fans have been buzzing since No. 1 reached an agreement to return last week, and there was no doubt a huge increase in energy on the sidelines at the Arizona Cardinals that seems to have continued into the practice week this week.
Football has never been more fun in Carolina than when Newton has been on the field, and he has already vowed to “bring the pride back” while encouraging fans to pack the house.
From a football perspective, Newton made his impact felt immediately last week, recording both a rushing and passing score in limited action. With a better grasp of the playbook this week, the Panthers are hoping he can continue to give the offense a boost.
The energy alone changes the complexion of that unit. If last week was any indication, he could really open things up for the other playmakers.
There’s no guarantee that Newton is going to be his old self, but he doesn’t really need to be. There is enough talent around him in Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and others, that he just needs to create a threat. He proved last week that the athleticism and leadership are still there, so that shouldn’t be an issue.
Must Read. True significance of Cam Newton’s Carolina Panthers return is bigger than football. light
If Newton can come out and play at a decently high level, the rest of the NFC better watch out because the Panthers will be a pretty dang good team.