The Carolina Panthers made the decision to start Cam Newton against former head coach Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team in Week 11. This decision comes just one week after the signing of Newton and his solid performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
It was only a matter of time until Newton signed with a team this season. What most of us didn't know, and including himself, was that it was going to be with his former team. Newton earned the MVP during the 2015 season where he lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl. The Denver Broncos won the Lombardi Trophy that year but everyone remembers the dominant season Newton showcased. Six years later he is still wearing the No. 1 on his jersey for the blue, black, and silver.
The decision to start Newton is not an easy one. This comes with a lot of hesitation because of how poorly he ended his previous campaign with Carolina. Newton clearly has a lot left to prove as he is just 32 years old. The decision to start Newton could benefit the Panthers moving forward and here are three reasons why.
3. Panthers would become must-watch
The move to sign Cam Newton woke many eyes that were not paying attention to the Panthers this season. Now, the decision to start him will benefit the organization even more. This should bring a lot more attention to the team that hasn't had much love over the last couple of weeks. The Panthers started out hot going 3-0, just to lose three-straight games and fall down the NFC South division. It's been a rollercoaster of a season for the Panthers and it likely will continue to be.
The good news is that every Carolina fan's favorite player is back. There is a good argument that Christian McCaffery is the beloved favorite, but I'm sure most would admit Newton was their first love. Newton in Carolina is just good for the sport. His career took off in Carolina and it didn't look like it would ever end. The relationship between Newton and the organization may not be perfect, but it's one that gets a ton of NFL fans excited. A ton of fans will tune in to watch the Panthers for as long as he is starting.
2. Newton is still a menace in the RedZone
It did not take long at all for Newton to remind everybody how lethal he is in the RedZone. The 6-foot-5, 250 lb quarterback is very difficult to tackle. His very first play in his return was a special one. He ran in a touchdown from two yards out against the Cardinals. Not even three minutes later he threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Robby Anderson to take a quick 14-0 lead. The Cardinals are one of the better teams in the league, if not the best this season. Their 8-2 record is no joke and Newton and the Panthers dominated them 34-10. He quickly showed that he still retains a ton of value in the RedZone and that will benefit the Panthers moving forward.
The Panthers currently rank 22nd in RedZone touchdown percentage at 54.84%. That number is not great and one that clearly needs improving. Newton should improve that statistic and help the Panthers get into the endzone more often. The 3-time Pro Bowler still holds the record for the most career rushing touchdowns with 70. Most of those came in the RedZone as you would figure. Newton starting for the Panthers should see more efficiency in the RedZone and that will put the Panthers in a position to be successful.
1. Panthers face a difficult schedule ahead
As of Week 11 in the NFL, the Panthers currently have the 13th toughest schedule remaining in the season. Carolina sits at 5-5 and will need to win a majority of their games to make the playoffs. The good news is that with seven games remaining, the Panthers are seventh in the NFC, which puts them in the playoffs if the season ended today. They are 2-0 in the division which is a good sign for where they are at right now. The timing to start Newton couldn't be better for this team as they were starting to trend in the wrong direction. With Newton under center for a majority of the reps, that should allow for a change in the game plan.
The Panthers are already 1-0 with Newton contributing. It's going to be fun to watch him take over and lead this team for the rest of the season. Head coach Matt Rhule did say that PJ Walker will still get reps this week against the Washington Football Team. Regardless of how many plays Newton actually gets, they are the favorite to win this game and Newton should be a big part of it. As for the rest of the season, the Panthers will need Newton to play like his old self. They contain a top-tier defense and a ton of offensive weapons for Newton. If Carolina can move down the field, then Newton will find a way to get them in the endzone because of his ability. This could be a whole new Panthers team for the rest of the year.
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