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Carolina Panthers: Grades vs. Denver Broncos

By Raphael Garcia

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following a third down incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following a third down incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks

Grade: C

Cam Newton looked composed and both ruffled at various points in this game. The reigning NFL MVP ended the day with 194 yards from 18 completions on 33 attempts. He also had one touchdown and one interception, along with being sacked three times for a combined loss of18 yards. Both his QBR and quarterback ratings were mediocre at best at 52.1 and 69.5, respectively.

In the first half, Newton looked like he was picking up right where he left off last year; driving the Panthers down the field. Newton and Kelvin Benjamin were connecting like they didn’t miss a season together. Unfortunately, everything stalled in the second half. Some are pointing towards the repeated shots to the head that Newton was taking. Even though Cam drove the team down the field and put them in position to win the game, Newton even referenced that he didn’t remember playing the final drive of the game. That’s a scary condition for any player, especially since the NFL has put many precautions into place to avoid the rash of head injuries to players.

This game was a tale of two halves for Newton. One point he looked like he was leading this team to a win, then everything crumbled apart.

Next: Running Backs

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