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Cam Newton starting for the Panthers could reignite playoff hopes

By Sayre Bedinger

17. Panthers (26): As prodigal son Cam Newton prepares to reclaim QB1 status in Carolina, you have to wonder if injured Sam Darnold -- he's guaranteed nearly $19 million in 2022 -- is already entering the backup phase of a career that doesn't yet span four seasons.
17. Panthers (26): As prodigal son Cam Newton prepares to reclaim QB1 status in Carolina, you have to wonder if injured Sam Darnold -- he's guaranteed nearly $19 million in 2022 -- is already entering the backup phase of a career that doesn't yet span four seasons. /
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The Carolina Panthers made a move many other NFL teams wouldn’t when they brought back team legend Cam Newton. Could their playoff hopes be restored?

Cam Newton is back, in case you haven’t heard.

Although it didn’t work out for him with the New England Patriots, we’re certainly here for a Cam Newton sequel with the Carolina Panthers.

Newton provided a major spark in his return to the Panthers as the team waltzed right into Arizona against one of the league’s best teams (down some players themselves) and got a win.

Having Cam Newton back can be a catalyst for the Panthers

How huge is the return of Cam Newton for Carolina?

Prior to his return, this team was 4-5, Sam Darnold had been playing very badly, and frankly, the Panthers were looking like fools for trading a lot of assets to acquire the likes of Stephon Gilmore and CJ Henderson before the trade deadline.

This is a team that, in 2021 at least, has been more aggressive than almost any other in terms of bringing in proven players to fill holes on the roster. If you are an NFL fan sitting on Twitter, hoping your team signs just about every free agent that hits the market or makes just about every possible trade, you clearly resonate with Panthers GM Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule.

It’s not often you see a legend like Cam Newton released by their team, only to re-sign with that team more than a year later.

Reunions are not overly commonplace in the NFL.

But why not? Carolina fans love Cam Newton. Newton loves them back.

Newton’s return to the field against Arizona included a red zone rushing touchdown as well as a passing touchdown. He had just eight passing touchdowns all of last season with the New England Patriots as well as 12 rushing touchdowns.

In Carolina, Newton is free to be himself. In New England? Well, that’s another story.

As we saw after his rushing touchdown in Arizona, Cam Newton is a star who needs to spread his wings and when he’s having fun, he’s usually playing really good football.

According to head coach Matt Rhule, it’s looking like Newton will start for the Panthers against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, and with a healthy Christian McCaffrey along with the defensive pieces Carolina has added, this team at 5-5 has suddenly become appointment viewing.

Sam Darnold was once again turning the ball over at an incredibly high rate. Even if Cam Newton’s return doesn’t provide any clarity for the Panthers’ future at the QB position, why shouldn’t he get a shot with this new regime to prove he can be a spark?

This team desperately needs it.

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