Cam Newton returned to the Carolina Panthers and the NFL last week, literally announcing “I’M BACK” after scoring a rushing touchdown on his first snap.
"I'm baaaaack." – Cam Newton pic.twitter.com/HkYRpd3CB6
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 14, 2021
He would later follow that up with a touchdown pass to cement his long-awaited return to the league.
The next step, of course, is for Newton to take back his spot as the starting quarterback in Carolina, a role he filled for nine seasons before being released in 2020 to join the New England Patriots.
Head coach Matt Rhule wouldn’t commit to the idea that Newton is the starter this weekend when the Panthers take on the Washington Football Team. However, he did say that Cam would be taking the majority of the first-team snaps and that “we’re trending that way.”
In his press conference, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule says “we’re trending that way” in terms of Cam Newton starting on Sunday.
He said they’ll continue to have P.J. Walker ready as well, but plenty of signs pointing towards Cam starting against Washington.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 17, 2021
Cam Newton here at #Panthers practice. Matt Rhule said Newton would get the majority of 1st team reps this week. pic.twitter.com/vAr41YEjEv
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) November 17, 2021
Rhule also offered tons of praise for Newton, his arm strength, and his playmaking abilities.
Matt Rhule says he "sees no issue" with Cam Newton's arm strength.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 17, 2021
Matt Rhule calls Cam Newton the "personification of the brand the things we talk about."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 17, 2021
Matt Rhule: "The thing Cam brings is execution."
Rhule said he thought he was in a movie after those two touchdowns.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) November 17, 2021
Matt Rhule seems very excited about the Second Cam Era in Carolina. Of course, he’s also going to make sure PJ Walker is ready to play as well. But it’s a good problem for Carolina to have, knowing they have two capable quarterbacks as needed.
But if Cam does start, it will be in front of the Charlotte crowd, who is sure to shower him with appreciation (at least until he has a turnover). Also, WFT’s head coach is Ron Rivera, who Newton played for in Carolina when the team went to the Super Bowl and Cam was named NFL MVP.
[Field Yates, Joe Person, Ellis L. Williams, Jonathan Alexander]
