Tag: Cam Newton

4 things to know for Panthers vs. Bengals in Week 4

Panthers QB Andy Dalton is a cat of a different breed here in 2024.

The Carolina Panthers picked up their first win of the season in an explosive way last week, thanks to the arm (and quite possibly the hair) of new starting quarterback Andy Dalton. So now, at 1-2, the team will try to continue to strike some hope with the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town.

But before we hit kickoff on Sunday, here are four things to know about this Week 4 matchup . . .

The Dalton Tour ’24

Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Whether you consider it the beginning of a reunion tour or a revenge tour, this weekend starts a familiar circuit for Dalton.

The Bengals, of course, selected the Texas Christian University standout in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. He went on to play nine seasons in Cincinnati, finishing his tenure as a three-time Pro Bowler and the franchise’s second all-time leading passer.

Dalton has already started three games against the Bengals following his departure in 2020—throwing for 403 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 100.8 passer rating with a 2-1 record. He’ll look to keep the momentum going as he comes off one of the best outings of his NFL career.

After Sunday, Dalton could be in line to face his other three past employers later on this season. That docket includes the Chicago Bears (Week 5), the New Orleans Saints (Week 9) and the Dallas Cowboys (Week 15).

All tied up

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina-Cincinnati matchup is a bit of a rarity, as the teams have faced off just seven times. And as of now, the series stands at three wins apiece with a 2014 tie sprinkled in.

That rare result saw the Panthers and Bengals put up 37 points each with Dalton and Cam Newton leading the way for their respective cats.

Comeback cats?

Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of these teams was forecasted to be a Super Bowl contender and the other a contender for the 2025 NFL draft’s No. 1 overall pick. But you couldn’t tell who was who if you put Week 3 into a vacuum.

An AFC favorite a few weeks ago, the Bengals have floundered to an 0-3 start and are staring down the barrel of a historically-perilous 0-4 mark. The Panthers, on the other hand, are 1-2 and gaining a bit of traction.

Either way, both teams’ playoff hopes could be on the line here in Week 4.

Strap in

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While the Carolina defense is still trying to find itself after a handful of key losses, cornerback Jaycee Horn has proved to be a rock-solid constant.

As he’s maintained his health thus far, which has been the biggest obstacle of his four-year NFL career, the former eighth overall pick continues to show that he’s one of the game’s top-tier corners. Just this past week, Horn held three-time First-team All-Pro wideout Davante Adams to just one catch for 15 yards in Carolina’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

He’ll have another premier opponent in Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday, a matchup that could help dictate the outcome of this contest.

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Panthers great Cam Newton gives his thoughts on team’s Week 3 win

Cam Newton: “The way that the Panthers need to win games—it’s not feasible to the strengths of what Bryce Young presents.”

Very few, if any people know how to bring life to the Carolinas like Cam Newton does. So he must’ve been nodding in approval about what he saw this past Sunday.

The left-for-dead Panthers have arisen, as they captured their first win of the 2024 campaign in a stunning upset victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. Their 36-22 win was sparked by veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, who passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his first start since replacing the struggling Bryce Young.

Newton, on Thursday’s episode of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, gave his thoughts on what Dalton has brought to the team.

“The way that the Panthers need to win games—it’s not feasible to the strengths of what Bryce Young presents,” he said. “26-of-37, 319 yards, no interceptions, three touchdowns. That’s Andy Dalton. If that’s Bryce Young, he would’ve put the ball in danger a couple of times. And that’s just with maturity in an offense. That’s with maturity in itself, or the speed of the game.”

The speed of the game seemingly caught up to Young at the start of what was a much-anticipated sophomore campaign. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, between a pair of blowout losses, tossed for just 245 yards, no scores and three picks.

Carolina’s offense then immediately found its footing under Dalton. The unit recorded their first 400-yard game since 2022 and converted on five of their third-down attempts—more than double of what they hit under Young in those first two games combined.

And that, as Newton went on, has given fans hope.

“But the thing that I like most about the Carolina Panthers, is they responded,” he added. “And I say this constantly about Carolina, ’cause you’re representing two states. They just want hope. Okay! Thank you! We’ve finally seen something!”

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Former NFL quarterback floats wild conspiracy about Steelers QB situation

Is Russell Wilson really hurt? Cam Newton wonders how bad it is.

Since leaving the NFL, former quarterback Cam Newton has made a name for himself for his outspoken nature when talking about the league. Newton has a podcast because that’s what everyone does now and in an episode, he talked about Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

Newton floated a rather interesting conspiracy theory on a recent episode that hinted at the fact Wilson’s calf injury might not be as bad as the team wants to make it seem. Newton wondered if it was simply a distraction from the transition to Fields and from what I gathered, Newton doesn’t want to play Wilson but wants to make it seem like it’s more about the injury and not Fields being better.

Not sure if we believe the calf injury is a cover or not but we do know from head coach Mike Tomlin’s history, he will have no issue keeping a healthy Wilson on the bench as long as Fields is playing well.

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Panthers great Cam Newton gives his thoughts on Bryce Young’s benching

Cam Newton “spoke for” Bryce Young after the second-year QB’s sudden benching by the Panthers.

Cam Newton and Bryce Young were thrust into pretty similar situations to begin their pro football careers. Both were Heisman Trophy winners in college, both were No. 1 overall draft picks and both were expected to lead the middling Carolina Panthers to relevance.

But sharing a similar situation doesn’t mean they necessarily shared a similar environment. And, in turn, the results couldn’t be more different.

Newton, in his latest episode of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, gave his thoughts on Carolina’s sudden benching of the struggling second-year quarterback. But instead of placing all the blame on Young, the franchise’s all-leading passer takes some aim at the franchise itself . . .

As Newton notes, the Panthers have lacked stability around Young. The 23-year-old has now had two different head coaches and three different offensive play-callers over a 19-game span.

Those 19 games have seen Carolina go 2-17 (2-16 in Young’s starts), with Young throwing for a lowly 173.4 yards per game with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Head coach Dave Canales pulled the plug after just two outings here in 2024, where Young has totaled 245 passing yards and three picks.

Newton, on the other hand, experienced incredible success early on in his NFL career. Not only did he triple his team’s win total in his very first season, pushing the 2-14 Panthers to a respectable 6-10 in 2011, but he also put on a rookie campaign for the ages in doing so.

By Year No. 3, Newton pulled the organization to an NFC South title—the first of three consecutive division crowns. And by Year No. 5, he led Carolina to their second-ever Super Bowl appearance while becoming the franchise’s first-ever recipient of the Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

Unfortunately, it’s now extremely difficult to envision Young following a similar path to Newton’s—or anything even close to it. But maybe, just maybe, Bryce’s story still isn’t over in Carolina.

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Lamar Jackson to be featured in Michael Vick’s docuseries on evolution of the black QB

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Michael Vick to lead a new, 8-part Amazon Prime docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America

Michael Vick, the executive producer, will be coming to a television screen near you, thanks to a partnership between the former No. 1 overall pick and SMAC Productions–Fubo Studios.

NFL on Prime Video announced Vick’s new, 8-part docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America, which will premiere September 24.

He will interview players and coaches in the docuseries, including Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid.

It’s the first project for the newly formed Fubo Studios.

“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the National Football League. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1. I know that was a big step for us in society,” Vick said in a statement. “I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”

The Fox NFL analyst and his wife, Kijafa Vick, SMAC Productions’ Constance Schwartz-Morini, and Fubo Studios’ David Gandler and Pamela Duckworth serve as executive producers. Fred Anthony Smith, vice president of non-scripted at SMAC Entertainment, is set to direct and executive produce the series.

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Several former Eagles to appear in Michael Vick’s docuseries on evolution of the black QB

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Michael Vick to lead a new, 8-part Amazon Prime docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America

The NFL was a league that once had a dark history of slighting and disrespecting black quarterbacks. Still, Philadelphia and the Eagles organization has been the gold standard in reversing the trend.

The Eagles made Randall Cunningham the franchise’s first black quarterback.

Drafted 37th overall in the 1985 NFL draft, Cunningham played 11 seasons in Philly before injuries caused him to be benched in favor of another black quarterback, Rodney Peete, in 1995.

Cunningham, Peete, Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick led Eagles teams to the playoffs. Vince Young spent a season with the franchise, and Jalen Hurts has taken over the reins from Carson Wentz this season as he looks to lock in his spot long-term.

Michael Vick, the executive producer, will be coming to a television screen near you, thanks to a partnership between the former No. 1 overall pick and SMAC Productions–Fubo Studios.

NFL on Prime Video announced Vick’s new, 8-part docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America, which will premiere September 24.

He will interview players and coaches in the docuseries, including Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid.

https://Twitter.com/NFLonPrime/status/1830591759837229309

It’s the first project for the newly formed Fubo Studios.

“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the National Football League. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1. I know that was a big step for us in society,” Vick said in a statement. “I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”

The Fox NFL analyst and his wife, Kijafa Vick, SMAC Productions’ Constance Schwartz-Morini, and Fubo Studios’ David Gandler and Pamela Duckworth serve as executive producers. Fred Anthony Smith, vice president of non-scripted at SMAC Entertainment, is set to direct and executive produce the series.

Panthers great Cam Newton recalls his intense pre-game staredowns

Panthers great Cam Newton spoke about the meaning behind his iconic picture in Seattle.

Carolina Panthers great Cam Newton is responsible for one of the hardest images in the history of football. You may be familiar . . .

Harry How/Getty Images

That photo was snapped on January 10, 2015, when the Panthers visited the Seattle Seahawks for a Divisional Round playoff matchup. And Newton, in a recent episode of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, explained that the staredown didn’t just happen in Seattle—it was actually a pre-game ritual for every road game . . .

(Warning: Explicit language)

Unfortunately for Carolina, one python bit much harder than the other on that particular night.

After completing an improbable run to their second consecutive NFC South title and a Wild Card round triumph over the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers tried their hand at knocking off the mighty Seahawks. But the “Legion of Boom” boomed.

Newton was picked off twice, once by First-team All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman and once by Second-team All-Pro safety Kam Chancellor—who returned his for a 90-yard touchdown. Seattle took the win, 31-17, and ended up representing the NFC in Super Bowl XLIX.

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Cam Newton wants to hire former Ohio State punter for interesting role

“That was immaculate storytelling” #GoBucks

Former Ohio State punter Drue Chrisman has always been an outstanding storyteller. From his days of bottle-flipping with the Buckeyes to his quest to be an NFL punter, Chrisman has always drawn fans closer in unique ways.

Recently, Chrisman documented his tryout with the Washington Commanders which unfortunately didn’t end with a spot on the team. Much to the chagrin of the Commanders, Chrisman posted his journey to social media where the Commanders asked him to take the short documentary down. To this date, the video is still on Chrisman’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton caught wind of Chrisman’s talents. After checking out the documentary for himself, he gave a shout-out to the former Buckeye and invited him to come work for him at his production company Iconic Saga saying “You don’t need to punt anymore.”

Whether Chrisman will take Newton up on the offer remains to be seen or if he’ll continue his quest to catch on with another NFL team. But one thing is for sure, Chrisman is a talented storyteller and has something to fall back on if punting doesn’t work out.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Josh Keatley on X.

Former Panthers QB lands job as color radio analyst for Cowboys

One of the top passers in Panthers history has landed one of the top jobs in NFL radio.

One of the top passers in Carolina Panthers history has landed one of the top jobs on the NFL’s airways.

As announced by Compass Media Networks on Wednesday, former Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein will now serve as the color analyst for the Dallas Cowboys National Radio Network. He’ll work alongside play-by-play commentator Kevin Ray and studio host Jerry Recco for the 2024 season.

“I am extremely excited that Compass Media Networks has extended me the opportunity to partner with Kevin Ray as part of the Dallas Cowboys National Radio broadcast team for the 2024 season,” Beuerlein said via today’s press release. “Fans know that the Cowboys are one of the most recognized and respected properties in all of professional sports and I am honored and grateful for this opportunity.”

Beuerlein, who was a backup on Dallas’ Super Bowl XXVII team in 1992, played in Carolina from 1996 to 2000. He’d turn in a few standout seasons there, finishing the as the league’s completion percentage leader in 1998 and the passing yards leader in 1999.

Over 59 total games as a Panther, Beuerlein threw for 12,690 yards and 86 touchdowns—ending his five-year stint as the franchise’s all-time leading passer. He has since been surpassed by Jake Delhomme (19,258) and Cam Newton (29,725).

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Panthers great Cam Newton admits he was ‘hurt’ by former HC Ron Rivera

Panthers great Cam Newton admitted he was hurt when Ron Rivera didn’t reach out for a reunion in Washington.

The NFL is a harsh business—a lesson Cam Newton is all too familiar with.

While taking fan questions for a recent episode of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers great opened an old wound involving his old head coach, Ron Rivera. The viewer asked Newton why he believes Rivera never reached out to him for a spot on his Washington Commanders.

“It wasn’t just Ron Rivera,” replied Newton, who thought he’d at least get some interest from Washington. “It was damn . . . [former Panthers general manager] Marty Hurney. It was [former Panthers head athletic trainer] Ryan Vermillion. Everybody. It was Panthers reincarnated in Washington. Did not get no call?”

Rivera and Newton both joined the Panthers in 2011, when the former was a first-year head coach and the latter that year’s No. 1 overall pick. What ensued was a beautiful working relationship—one that resulted in a pair of NFL Coach of the Year awards for Rivera as well as Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards for Newton.

The two also helped produced quite a few accolades for the organization itself. Under their lead, the Panthers became the first team in the NFC South’s current alignment to capture three straight division titles (2013 to 2015) and clinched the franchise’s second-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Both would also depart Carolina after the 2019 campaign, as Rivera moved over to the nation’s capital and Newton over to free agency. Save for a one-year stint in New England in 2020 and an even shorter return to the Panthers the season after, Newton has spent most of his time since then on the open market.

Unfortunately, that reunion will probably never happen—at least in Washington. After a four-year run, Rivera was fired by the Commanders this past January.

But maybe, just maybe, Cam gives Ron a call to join him in his new digs.

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