Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who returned last week after sustaining two fractured bones in lower back in a car accident, will be the X-factor on Sunday.
Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan thought that Newton would be tentative in his return last week against the Cleveland Browns. But that was not the case.
“He looked very good,” Nolan said. “I thought he did an outstanding job in the game. They ran a lot of the option and did a lot of things with him that would keep the ball in his hands. They certainly aren’t holding back for anything. It’s not as if they are trying to protect him.”
In the previous meeting between the teams in Week 11, Newton rallied the Panthers from a 16-3 deficit to take the lead 17-16 against the Falcons. The Panthers, however, couldn’t hold on.
“Mike Shula does an outstanding job as the offensive coordinator,” Nolan said. “What he was calling and what Cam was doing at the line, changing plays and things like that, I would never suspect that there was a car injury. He looked fine.”
Newton rushed 12 times for 63 yards against the Browns. He competed 18 of 31 passes for 201 yards, with a touchdown and one interception. He had a passer rating of 74.8.
The Falcons have used a spy on Newton in the past. Sean Weatherspoon has been good in that role, but with Weatherspoon on injured reserve the best candidate maybe rookie Prince Shembo or Kroy Biermann.
In the passing game, the Falcons will try to take away Newton’s main targets. He locks in on wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen. Cornerback Desmond Trufant will defend Benjamin when the Falcons are in man-to-man coverage. Free safety Dwight Lowery get the Olsen assignment.
About the Author
