What are some major observations to emerge from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton’s performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14?
All eyes were on Cam Newton as the Carolina Panthers looked to get their 2021 season back on track against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. It’s been a fortnight of learning and reflection for the signal-caller, who was coming off arguably his worst statistical performance of his career at the Miami Dolphins in Week 12 before the bye.
Newton is looking to galvanize this franchise that was devoid of any inspiration before his sensational return. The atmosphere was noticeably electric when he took the field for his first start and this is something that continued on Sunday when the iconic signal-caller was introduced to a fanbase that continues to idolize and support someone they’ve loved from the moment he arrived as the No. 1 overall selection in 2011.
Another problem Newton had to overcome this week was a new offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, who was installed in the immediate aftermath of Joe Brady’s firing. As it turned out, the Panthers were not at the races for the most part and saw their postseason aspirations collapse with yet another defeat in front of their home fans.
Without further ado, here are four major observations from Newton’s performance against the Falcons in Week 14.
Major Observation No. 1
Cam Newton’s perfect start
If Cam Newton was looking to make a statement right out of the gate, it was mission accomplished. The Carolina Panthers’ offense looked to be in a good rhythm on the opening drive – the first with Jeff Nixon calling the plays – and the quarterback not forcing the issue was another encouraging sign.
Newton went 3-3 for 33 yards before going in for yet another rushing touchdown. After so much went wrong at the Miami Dolphins, it was important that the Panthers and their signal-caller got off on the best possible foot against the Falcons considering their obvious struggles on defense.
It was a tone-setting start that couldn’t have gone much better. That’s all anybody could have asked for.
Cam Newton came out late in the second quarter
Matt Rhule stated in the week that there might be some opportunities for P.J. Walker in certain situations. This came late in the second quarter after Cam Newton threw a pick-six and followed that up with a three-and-out, enabling the Atlanta Falcons to score 17 consecutive points and take charge of the contest.
Walker was installed under center with a little under four minutes remaining and was inevitably sacked on his second play from scrimmage and the next play saw the signal-caller make a bad decision and throw an interception of his own coming out of the two-minute warning.
Laughable really.
Rhule is getting too cute with how he approaches things on offense. His decision to fire Joe Brady in favor of Jeff Nixon was a big call to make at this stage of the campaign, but it didn’t appear as if there was much confidence during the first half as the Falcons figured things out pretty quickly.
The Carolina Panthers sending Newton to the sidelines hinted that Rhule isn’t entirely sold on the quarterback, who came in late into the organization in a desperate attempt to help turn things around.
They found themselves down 17-7 at the half. Down, but not entirely out.
Cam Newton’s chemistry with D.J. Moore
It came as no surprise that D.J. Moore became Cam Newton’s go-to option throughout the contest. The wide receiver was targeted no fewer than 10 times during the game, bringing in six receptions for 84 receiving yards.
There were times when Newton was forcing the football in Moore’s direction when pressure was coming in his face. But overall, the blossoming chemistry between the two was encouraging and something that should stand the Carolina Panthers in good stead down the stretch.
Of course, things took a turn for the worse where Moore is concerned when he went out of the game in the third quarter with an apparent ankle injury that needed treatment. Not that it would have mattered all that much after Newton fumbled a handoff after tripping over Pat Elflein’s foot for another turnover that resulted in Atlanta stretching their lead through a game-clinching touchdown.
Newton and Moore played together during the signal-caller’s first go around. But timing remains an issue with most receivers, something not entirely unexpected as he’s only been back in the building for a month.
Time is of the essence for Newton if he wants to secure a longer-term deal with the Panthers. Moore was hurting and doing everything he could to assist his quarterback, but it just wasn’t enough as the offensive line crumbled down the stretch.
Cam Newton is not without blame but deserves better
Cam Newton deserves all the credit in the world for coming back to the Carolina Panthers when they needed him. Especially after how poorly he was treated when they cut him in 2020 after signing Teddy Bridgewater in free agency.
He is not without blame over the last few weeks.
But the simple fact of the matter is, Newton deserves better.
The change in offensive coordinator did absolutely nothing to ignite the offense. Couple this with porous protection and it’s not hard to see where the problems are coming from.
Newton was spared further misery late in the game by Matt Rhule, who is now under immense pressure with the Panthers at 5-8 and all hopes of playoff football evaporated.
Yes, his accuracy should be better.
Yes, the execution needs to improve.
But what quarterback would thrive under these conditions?
The problems are deep-seated and much bigger than just one player. In truth, this was always a gamble from Newton. but his love for the organization and no other opportunities meant it was a calculated risk worth taking.
One that hasn’t paid off so far.
What comes next is unclear. Both for the Panthers and the man that completely revolutionized the franchise during the 2010s.