With the big move to bring back quarterback Cam Newton earlier this week, many are hoping to see what Newton will look like against Arizona in Week 10. Head coach Matt Rhule however, has suggested this week that Newton will not start until next week at home. Rhule hasn’t voiced against throwing Newton in a few packages, but his role should be limited to start out.
The good news is after passing his physical exam, Newton seems to be in a good place health-wise, as Newton reportedly told told Rhule after sitting out the first part of the season, “he’s as healthy as he can possibly be.”
Instead it will be PJ Walker at the helm against the Cardinals in Arizona. Walker has been up and down this year, and in some ways has been reflective of the Carolina offense itself. So far through 2 seasons of sporadic game-play time, PJ Walker stands at 35 of 71 passing, with 401 yards, 1 touchdown, and 5 int’s.
The Cardinals defense, who has been led by Isaiah Simmons and Budd Baker, has one of the best in the NFC, and will put Walker to the test early on. Simmons has turned out to be an excellent draft pick out of Clemson for Klingon Kingsbury, with 58 tackles, 4 passes defensed, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, 2 tackles for loss, and a half sack.
He and All-Pro Darius Leonard of the Colts are the only linebackers with 50+ tackles, 3+
forced fumbles and 4+ passes defensed this season.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Caroline’s defense on the other hand, seems to be coming along more and more as the season goes by. Safety Jeremy Chinn has been producing well this season and is leading the team with combined tackles at 54. While recently added Stephon Gilmore is already tied with a team high of interceptions (2) after just a few weeks. Both will need to be a huge factor against an Arizona team who handled San Francisco easily last week despite missing Kyler Murray.
Around FPC
NFL: Odell Beckham Jr., Rams Agree To One-Year Deal
NFL: NFL 2021: Five Key Statistics for Week 10
NFL: Patriots Very Much Alive In AFC East Race
NHL: Fantasy Hockey Turkeys: Donuts For Goals
Wrestling: AEW Full Gear 2021 Predictions
PODCAST: The Eye Test For Two – Ep 80: Seth Wickersham Joins To Talk Brady, Patriots, and More
So far, the Cardinals do not seem optimistic that Murray will be able to return today, and will head into the game listed as questionable on the injury report. It seems most likely that it will be a game-time decision on Murray’s status, and that Colt McCoy will likely be back as QB1. Two other offensive starters for Arizona, Deandre Hopkins, and Chase Edmonds are also not expected to play this week. Hopkins has been dealing with a hamstring issue the last few games and is currently trending to miss Week 10, while running back Chase Edmonds has been placed on the IR.
With these key injuries hitting Arizona pre-game, Carolina’s defense will have an opportunity to step up today, and will probably need to play a major role to help the Panthers see a win.