Newton sparks Panthers
Former MVP produces 2 TDS in return against Cardinals
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cam Newton took the snap on third down, and it was like he’d never left the Carolina Panthers. The quarterback got moving in a hurry in his blue, black and silver jersey, barreled into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown, ripped off his helmet and screamed “I’m back!” as his teammates celebrated around him.
Superman might be a few years older, but he’s still got a flair for the dramatic.
“I’m just floating at an all-time high frequency,” Newton said. “It’s almost scary.”
The 32-year-old provided a flashback to his MVP days in his second debut with the Panthers, throwing for one touchdown, running for another and sparking Carolina to a 34-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Newton — the 2015 NFL MVP who was signed by the quarterback-thin Panthers earlier in the week — made his presence felt on his first play, entering on third down, running for the touchdown and immediately giving Carolina a 7-0 advantage.
On the Panthers’ next drive, Newton
threw a 2-yard TD pass to wide receiver Robby Anderson as Carolina (5-5) built a stunning 17-0 lead in the first quarter and a 23-0 advantage by halftime.
“Today was a good example of the team we can be,” running back Christian Mccaffrey said.
The Cardinals (8-2) had the best record in the NFL coming into the game but looked discombobulated from the beginning.
Backup quarterback Colt Mccoy, who was playing a second straight game for the injured Kyler Murray, coughed up a fumble after being sacked on the third play.
It only got worse for Arizona.
“I thought they played harder, they played faster and had a great plan in all three phases and just really beat us up,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said.
The Cardinals — who also were missing top receiver Deandre Hopkins — managed 169 total yards and never mounted a response after Carolina’s opening onslaught.
“I knew what the coverage was, what we were trying to do,” Mccoy said. “It was just the timing and rhythm of it all. It just never clicked. The run game never could get going, and you change your plan a little bit when you are down 17 points in the first half.”
Carolina’s struggling offense looked reborn with Newton in the mix. The majority of snaps went to P.J. Walker, who completed 22 of 29 passes for 167 yards, and Newton was saved for mostly short-yardage situations. Mccaffrey also had a big day, running for 95 yards and catching 10 passes for 66 yards.
Newton admitted he didn’t know much of the playbook after having three days to prepare, joking that his knowledge was “two touchdowns’ worth.”