5 crucial observations from Cam Newton’s performance vs. Washington
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton couldn’t change 3rd quarter woes
As stated previously, this was an uncharacteristically bad afternoon for the Carolina Panthers’ defense. Phil Snow’s group has been among the NFL’s best in most statistical categories in 2021, but Taylor Heinicke had no trouble carving them up and the Washington running game was also able to generate significant yardage at will.
Carolina fell behind early in the third quarter, meaning Cam Newton was playing catchup with a basic package and that’s always a recipe for disaster against a strong defensive unit who’s been really impressive in coverage over the last few weeks.
This wasn’t an ideal situation. There was also absolutely no doubt Ron Rivera knew exactly who and where to target despite plenty of personnel changes to the roster he managed in Carolina.
The Auburn product wasn’t tasked with a great deal from a scheme standpoint and there were few opportunities for the signal-caller to get out on the move running the football. Something of a surprise considering his ability to shift the dynamic and how bad the team has been in the third quarter since the new regime took charge.
Rivera knows what he’s doing and knows more about Newton than most. Credit must also go to Heinicke, who set the tempo and dragged out drives masterfully throughout.
As for Newton, playing with a lead would have been more beneficial at this stage of his development. But it wasn’t to be throughout another disastrous third quarter from the franchise.