Panthers quarterback Cam Newton returns to the player of the game fan poll in epic fashion. Newton got his swag back and so did the Panthers offense. Yet he’s not the only player worthy of your vote this week. Check out this week’s options, starting with Newton himself of course.
QB Cam Newton
Newton completed 20 of 31 passes for 242 yards with 4 tpuchdowns and zero interceptions for a 128.0 passer rating. Newton added 58 yards rushing on 14 carries. Newton even impressed PFF who rarely gives Newton such a high grade:
QB CAM NEWTON, 81.2 OVERALL GRADE
The Panthers’ offensive line did a pretty good job keeping pressure off Newton for the most part. He was kept clean on 77 percent of his dropbacks, and had an adjusted completion percentage of 76.0 along with three touchdowns on those plays. Newton added 62 rushing yards on 11 designed runs and scrambles, picking up five first downs, two of which game on third down.
Newton and the Panthers are a December team. Let’s keep this going.
RB Christian McCaffrey
I think this is the kind of impact the Panthers envisioned when they drafted McCaffrey No. 8 overall. I was surprised to see McCaffrey not only get the start at running back but then to completely feature him for the entire first drive. I’m sure the Packers defense was just as surprised. McCaffrey got nine touches on that first drive and I’m sure that became the focus of the Packers defense going forward: stop McCaffrey. It didn’t go so well.
McCaffrey averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 63 yards on 12 carries. He also caught 6 of 7 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. So that’s 136 yards on 18 touches and a touchdown. Nice game CMC!
WR Damiere Byrd
We’ve been asking for a wide receiver other than Devin Funchess to step up and on this day Damiere Byrd did. He may have only caught three passes for a skinny 25 yards but two of them were touchdowns. The first one was buttastic by the way! Byrd looks like the speed option the Panthers need on the outside.
TE Greg Olsen
After not looking so good in his first game back, Olsen looked like the guy we’ve known for many seasons against the Packers. Olsen lit it up for 116 yards on nine catches (12 targets) and a 30-yard touchdown. Thor is back and the NFC better take notice.
S Kurt Coleman
Coleman led the defense with 10 tackles and a pass defensed. He was key in run support.
CB James Bradberry
Bradberry was second on the team with 7 combined tackles, an interception and another pass knocked down. I have him here as an option over his mate Daryl Worley because Bradberry forced a fumble that ended the Packers last minute drive to try and tie the game. Nicely done B-berry!
S Colin Jones
Jones hasn’t been the most reliable back-up in the secondary over his six seasons in Carolina but he stepped up on this day. Jones stepped into the nickel role (the game book actually listed him as a linebacker) and made the most of his opportunities. Hell, even PFF liked his game:
S COLIN JONES, 87.0 OVERALL GRADE
Jones was all over the field and made a big impact whenever he was targeted in coverage. Jones took advantage of an an Aaron Rodgers under-throw up the seam, hauling in a key interception. Jones did a good job of eliminating run after the catch opportunities, allowing just five yards and two receptions on his four targets in coverage.
Maybe Jones should play in Thomas Davis’ place while he serves his suspension.
So there are your player of the game candidates from yesterday’s win. Cast your vote now.
Poll
Who gets your vote for Panthers Player of the Game in the win over the Packers?
This poll is closed
-
43%
QB Cam Newton
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13%
RB Christian McCaffrey
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10%
WR Damiere Byrd
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17%
TE Greg Olsen
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0%
S Kurt Coleman
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8%
CB James Bradberry
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5%
S Colin Jones
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1%
Other