4 keys to victory for the Carolina Panthers at Dolphins in Week 12

Carolina Panthers have the Cam Newton/Christian McCaffrey connection

Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey may not have had much time together during the quarterback’s first stint with the Carolina Panthers, but that didn’t seem to hamper the duo much on Sunday. Especially when you take a look at the 27-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that tied the game.

McCaffrey is now the top dog for the Panthers’ offense and Newton can see that. But this doesn’t mean that the signal-caller isn’t going to take the game into his own hands at points either.

Any worry of that clashing on the field was dispelled with how well the duo played together on Sunday and how unselfish they both were. Even using each other as decoys on multiple plays.

That connection will be absolutely key going forward as having chemistry between your stars is essential in the NFL. Especially between a quarterback and a star target, no matter their position.

The importance of being able to throw in the direction of a receiver no matter the situation or coverage and trust that they will make a play is something that cannot be overstated. Newton and McCaffrey must build that connection, that trust so that they both can perform to the greatest extent of their abilities

Feed off each other’s energy. If for no other reason than the fact the All-Pro running back will be on the field almost as much as the former MVP.

This extends even further beyond a basic understanding of the other player, Newton needs to know exactly what McCaffrey is thinking in every situation so that the quarterback can anticipate when and where to throw the ball. We saw a hiccup in this on a third-down play on Sunday where the ball was just barely out of the running back’s reach.

With Newton’s superstar throws paired with McCaffrey’s surefire hands and incredible strength and agility, defenses should be terrified of them building chemistry.

If Newton and McCaffrey can get on the same page it will be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Even when they do everything right it may not be enough.