Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 Players to watch in Week 14

2. Cam Newton

Since coming into the league in 2011 as the top overall draft pick, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has seen the ups and downs of a veteran career. From a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl appearance, to a 6-10 start just the next year, Newton has seen it all. Now, he must lead his team out of the depths of a four-game losing streak.

Newton is notorious for his massive arm and big play ability, and the Browns’ somewhat-injured secondary might yield to more of those than Browns fans would like. Rookie cornerback Denzel Ward is out on injury with a concussion, and Terrance Mitchell is in his first game back since his forearm injury in Week 4.

Newton will have a tough task ahead of him in Week 14 as he takes on one of the league’s steadiest front sevens. The best course of action here would be not to force the long ball, and to use his mobility only when he has an open lane. Ron Rivera should have some plays to attack Cleveland’s cornerback weakness, and Newton has to take advantage.

This game will ultimately come down to how well the quarterbacks execute. If Newton gets rolling early, it is certainly a good sign for the Panthers. If he throws four interceptions again, the Panthers are almost certainly sunk against a revitalized Browns offense. But despite his best efforts, he could be in for a very rude awakening if our No. 1 player wakes up feeling dangerous.