The photo’s caption reads, “Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers organizes a team photo in the bench area during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina”. The impressive part is that Newton has done in less than half the number of games that it took Young to achieve this feat, according to NFL’s Director of NFC Communication, Randall Liu.
Advertisement
But the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback was more interested in talking about the postseason than personal accomplishments.
Still, the Panthers find themselves fighting the label of a team that’s performed above expectations, Cotchery said, especially with the injuries to key players.
“Everything just feels just right. This is our house – and it’s hostile”.
“We have to fix the “whys, ‘” Winston said”.
“It’s very gratifying, but it means nothing if we can’t win in the playoffs”, Davis said. Over his time in sports writing, Gary has covered 29 Super Bowls, 10 Olympics, Final Fours, Masters, Wimbledons and college national championships. “It took people a long time to pay attention to us”. He also threw for two others to all but lock up the league’s MVP award. Entering Sunday, Newton had a 97.0 passer rating with 33 passing touchdowns and eight scores on the ground. When we watch the Panthers game live streaming or on TV today, their fans and critics expect a blowout victory.
The Panthers cruised in their regular-season finale, completing a 15-1 regular season.
Yes, it was a nice effort by the Panthers, who raised some concerns with their play the previous two weeks.
Carolina came out with more injuries to deal with, safety Charles Tillman re-injuring his knee and linebacker A.J. Klein pulling a hamstring.
“You just didn’t see” that swagger, Rivera said.
Earlier in December the Panthers lost starting nickel back Bene Benwikere and their third down defense has been struggling ever since.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Mybookie.ag, the Panthers are 10.5-point favorites over the Buccaneers while the total now sits at 45.5 points. Jameis Winston threw for 325 yards, but was intercepted twice as the Bucs (6-10).
Though Winston didn’t name names, he publicly questioned the commitment some players have to winning, saying not everyone appears to be playing for the right reasons. Panthers lead 7-3 with 12:35 left in first half. Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne will start at running back and fellow rookie Devin Funchess will replace Ginn. Newton later fired a 16-yard TD pass to Funchess and the crowd erupted with chants of “MVP!”
Rivera said he made sure the Arizona score wasn’t shown inside the stadium.
Advertisement
“I wanted our guys to play for a win”, he said. “It’s important that we continue to play together, and it’s important that we turn it up a notch for the playoffs”.
