When the Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Cam Newton last week after placing Sam Darnold on injured reserve, most figured it was only a matter of time before Newton took over as the starting quarterback.
According to Carolina head coach Matt Rhule, that is likely this Sunday against the Washington Football Team.
In his meeting with the media on Wednesday, Rhule said, “we’re trending” toward Newton starting at quarterback on Sunday. Earlier this week, Rhule said Newton would receive the majority of first-team reps this week to get him up to speed.
Matt Rhule says “we’re trending” toward Cam Newton starting.
i.e, he’s starting.— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 17, 2021
As Joe Person of The Athletic, stated, Newton is starting on Sunday.
What does this mean for Washington? Well, nothing really. And that’s meant with no disrespect toward Newton. Newton’s former coach for nine seasons, Ron Rivera, is the head coach of Washington. He knows Newton. He knows his strengths and weaknesses.
Of course, that means nothing if Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s Washington defense can’t stop Newton.
This matchup already featured an exciting storyline in Rivera’s return to Charlotte. Now, you add Newton’s return as the starting quarterback for the Panthers, and this game is must-see TV on Sunday.