5 big talking points from Panthers’ defeat at the Bills in Week 15

(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton
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Carolina Panthers
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton

Cam Newton is Matt Rhule’s latest scapegoat

Since returning back to the Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton’s head coach has done him very little favors.

Again on Sunday we once again saw Matt Rhule throw his quarterback under the bus, claiming that Newton was holding on to the ball too long.

Now this came a week after Rhule chastised Newton for having a multi-turnover game. Funnily enough, we didn’t see the same criticism earlier in the season when Sam Darnold had multiple three-interception games.

Newton is someone who has dealt with unfair criticism his entire career. One suspects Rhule’s words would have little effect on him.

However, fans are rightfully annoyed at the fact since Newton has returned Rhule has thrown him under the bus at any opportunity. Yet for the first part of the season, we saw the same head coach coddle Darnold despite him showing some of the worst quarterback play we’ve ever seen in Carolina.

This is a clear deflection tactic. Something that gets others talking about anything other than his own failings.

Just what comes next is unclear. But there could be increasing friction building between both parties.

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