PANTHERS (3-1) VS. LIONS (3-1)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, FORD FIELD, DETROIT uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 710
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Charles Davis, Pam Oliver
Perhaps the best way for the former MVP, QB to bust out of his nearly yearlong slump is by besting Patriots QB Tom Brady in Brady’s backyard. Newton totaled four touchdowns, and Newton led Carolina on a game-winning field goal drive, albeit aided by New England mistakes, for a 33-30 victory. It was the Panthers’ highest scoring total and yardage output (444) in a win in more than a calendar year. The Panthers’ defense surrendered at least 30 points for the second consecutive game, but it limited New England to 16 until almost midway through the fourth quarter. Coach
gladly will take that performance alongside arguably the best from Newton since Week 2 last season.
About the Lions: They earned their third consecutive one-score victory over the Minnesota Vikings and their second in succession sealed with a late takeaway. Coordinator
unit has 11 through four games — tied for the NFL lead and only three takeaways shy of its 2016 total. FS forced the last of three fumbles to halt Minnesota’s comeback bid and has an NFL-high four takeaways. (four sacks) has been Detroit’s best pass rusher and had two more Sunday — including one late in the fourth quarter as Minnesota was driving. For a club that repeatedly has leaned on QB
the defense and run game complementing him is a wonderful development for coach Jim Caldwell.
Matchup to watch: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin vs. Lions CB Darius Slay. Benjamin returned from an injury scare in Week 3 to reel in all four of his targets for 104 yards, including Carolina’s two biggest downfield catches. The speedy Slay is Detroit’s biggest, fastest corner and likely will draw Newton’s favorite weapon with one directive: Limit the big plays.
Carolina’s “other” quarterback also looked like his old self in Foxboro. His game-
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
high 14 tackles were more than in the previous two games combined and the same number Kuechly had when he sustained a seasonending concussion in Week 11 last season.
There were two meaningful 50-something milestones for Newton in the New England game: He earned his 54th win, a franchise record, and his 50th rushing touchdown — the most ever by a quarterback and second in the NFL only to Marshawn Lynch since 2011.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Channeling Cam: It’s no coincidence that Newton’s breakout as a passer coincided with his most efficient, active rushing day in more than a year (8-44-1). Finding the right balance of runs, “layups” and deep shots is what worked last week along with improved protection.
2. Unusual suspects: Carolina’s offense, in its second game without Pro Bowl TE Olsen, coaxed impressive contributions from WR Devin Funchess, TE and RB Fozzy Whittaker. Coordinator Shula hopes it’s a developing trend.
3. Hot Peppers: DE 37, had two more sacks, increasing his team lead to 4.5. Lions RT struggled last week against Danielle Hunter, and Detroit remains hard-pressed to give Wagner help.
4. Third down: Detroit’s defense held Minnesota to 30% but converted only 23% on offense. Carolina, like the Vikings, has a top-10 third-down unit and the ability to take away the Lions’ playmakers.
Arthur Arkush