4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers after their 2021 bye week

Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers QB

• Finishes with more rushing TDs than passing TDs

For almost any other starting quarterback in the NFL, it would be easy to bypass this statement as laughable and idiotic. But this is Cam Newton we are talking about.

In his three games back in a Carolina Panthers’ uniform, Newton has three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. Not exactly the worst contribution in the world, even if things didn’t go according to plan at the Miami Dolphins leading into the bye week.

With Christian McCaffrey’s season-ending prematurely for the second straight year thanks to an ankle injury, the onus will once again be on Newton to step up as another leading option in the red zone.

With a makeshift, porous offensive line, D.J. Moore is the only consistent hand this season of the wide receiving corps. Something else that piles more pressure on Newton despite the signal-caller arriving late to the party and learning the playbook as he goes.

Considering Newton’s large, powerful frame, do not be surprised to see him add on to his NFL record of 73 rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Whether this comes with a winning record or any sort of success against some high-class opposition is another matter entirely.

Newton has a lot on his plate and the honeymoon period is now over. But if anyone can overcome plenty of adversity, it’s the former NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner.