In 2015 Cam Newton accounted for 45 touchdowns and just 14 turnovers. That’s plenty good enough to win the NFL MVP Award. But in 2016 this is simply not the same player.
In 11 games Newton has just 19 touchdowns and nine turnovers. Still, talking to the Chargers during the week, they fully expect Newton to revert to his old dominating ways at any moment so this week’s players to watch deal (almost) exclusively with slowing him down.
Joey Bosa, DE
One of the ways Newton gets in to the flow of the offense is through explosive running plays. The man is massive and Carolina loves to run him around the end, especially when the goal line is in sight. Bosa is a guy who can set an edge and force Cam back inside where someone else can bring him down. If Newton starts to get to the outside and down the field, where he is larger than anyone in any NFL secondary, it’s going to be a long day for the Chargers defense.
Jahleel Addae, S
If Bosa can keep Newton contained Addae will be able to help in run support inside but his impact (along with Dwight Lowery) will be in the passing game. Ted Ginn and Kelvin Benjamin are both big play threats and Newton can hit them in stride 60 yards downfield. A lot of Carolina’s offense comes on chunk plays down the middle. It is imperative that the Chargers safeties do not let anyone get behind them for those home runs.
Isaiah Burse, KR
Basically the entirety of the Chargers return units. Still waiting for that impact return so we can move on, fellas.
Derek’s Prediction
Both of these teams have been big disappointments this year. In fact Carolina is the biggest head-scratcher in the entire league. But it is hard to win on the road in the NFL, no matter who you’re playing. This one should be like just about every other Chargers game: close at the end. If that scenario, although both of these offenses certainly have big-play ability, I see the Panthers making one more than the Bolts.
Final score: Panthers 30, Chargers 27
