4 key storylines to watch during Panthers vs. Washington in Week 11
By Dean Jones
How will Cam Newton fare as the Carolina Panthers starter?
Much of the excitement surrounding the game centers on Cam Newton. The quarterback made a sensational return to the Carolina Panthers just a few days before their Week 10 clash at the Arizona Cardinals and he even managed two touchdowns from just nine snaps with almost no preparation time.
Newton has been given the majority of first-team reps in practice this week. And as expected, Matt Rhule stated he would “take the first snap” and start against the Washington Football Team and his old head coach Ron Rivera.
The 2015 NFL MVP hasn’t manned the plate under center since the 2020 season. Newton was away from the field for a considerable period after he was released by the New England Patriots and although his production last weekend was encouraging, starting a game rather than occupying a cameo role are two completely different things.
If anyone can rise to the occasion, it’s Newton.
He’s already completely shifted the mindset within the locker room and the fanbase. A remarkable turnaround from how things appeared after another disastrous performance from Sam Darnold in their Week 9 reverse at home to the Patriots.
Newton is the sort of player that feeds off a buzzing crowd. However, this is still a tough Washington defense despite the absence of Chase Young and Montez Sweat flying off the edge.