Four Down Territory: NFL Week 15
First Down
So…about the Panthers.
After losing to the Saints on MNF the panthers are now 6-8 and have lost six straight. The most obvious reason is that Cam‘s shoulder is most definitely hampering him. Look at his throwing motion; you can’t tell if he’s throwing a 50 yard bomb or a five yard slant.
On Wednesday the Panthers made the right choice and decided to sit Cam for the final two games of the season.
Breaking: Cam Newton will not play Sunday vs. Atlanta and is expected to be shut down the final two games of the season due to shoulder soreness. (First reported by NFL Network, confirmed by ESPN) pic.twitter.com/tX02Voazgf
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 19, 2018
Old Dominion alum (OLD DOMINION, HAIL!) Taylor Heinicke is expected to start.
Cam’s shoulder has been bothering him since the Steelers game. Many think he sustained the injury after getting blasted by TJ Watt.
TJ Watt almost killed QB Cam Newton. That MF lucky to be alive #HereWeGo #StairwayToSeven pic.twitter.com/zP2elgceUu
— Steel Legends (@Steel_Legends) November 11, 2018
I’m not a doctor but I know the human arm isn’t supposed to bend like that.
Love our content? Check out the GoingFor2 Live Podcast Network!
Many talking heads have already started the rumor mill of how to replace Newton. He’s 30 years old and his style of play traditionally doesn’t last long in the NFL. Cam has suffered numerous injuries, including a rotator cuff tear in 2016.
Oh yeah, and there was that time he flipped his truck.
#BREAKING: Cam Newton is headed to the hospital after car crash: http://t.co/XQrRl9UWxJ pic.twitter.com/fE36HR4pp3
— WIS News 10 (@wis10) December 9, 2014
With all those facts it’s still foolish to move on from the former Auburn Tiger. Newton is a quarterback outlier. We’ve never seen anything like him. Seriously, look at his size compared to Von Miller.
Cam: 6’5″ 245 pounds
Miller: 6’3″ 249 pounds
Cam’s playing style is reckless but that’s what makes him Cam. It’s that same style that took the Panthers to the Super Bowl. It’s who he is and there’s no need to change that now.
Random fact, since 2012 the Panthers have alternated winning and losing records. If that trend continues they will not only have a winning record next year but they will have a top seed in the NFC.
You know what, let’s book this now. The Panthers will win the NFC South and have the top overall seed. You heard it here first.
Second Down
Staying in the NFC South man ol man do the Saints need home field advantage. The offensive juggernaut known as Drew Brees and friends have really struggled to get the offense going. The scored 28 on the Bucs on the road but the film shows a different story.
Luckily, for New Orleans, they don’t have the Superdome until the Super Bowl. If they make it to the big game that is also indoors and a quick trip to Atlanta. They won’t have to go outside for the rest of the season unless they need to move their car. Though they’ve had their hiccups the past three weeks this team is still the best in the NFC and all roads lead through them.
They’re 12-2 at home over the past two years.
No team is equipped to go into that building and beat them. Over the past three weeks their defense has been a top three unit in the league. That unit is peaking at the right time and have proven that when push comes to shove they have what it takes to win.
Also, Teddy is busting out some nasty dance moves. REV EM UP, TEDDY!
Teddy Bridgewater kills it when the Saints win 🏍
(via @Kirkwood_Five) pic.twitter.com/QgB3wmqYxh
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 18, 2018
They’re unbeatable.
Third Down
The Chargers did the impossible. Not only did they win in Arrowhead but they came from behind in dramatic fashion. After scoring the game tying touchdown Anthony Lynn let it all hang out and went for the win.
https://twitter.com/TitanicTD/status/1073439552063328256
Mike Williams stats won’t pop out but he’s quietly having a breakout year. The former Clemson Tiger has nine touchdowns and is a great compliment to Keenan Allen. Melvin Gordon is injured but Ekeler and Jackson are picking up the slack. The defense is top ten in both rushing and passing yards. Derwin James is the defensive rookie of the year and up front Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are quite the duo.
Speaking of Joey, take a look at the past five Chargers first round picks.
2018: Derwin James
2017: Mike Williams
2016: Joey Bosa
2015: Melvin Gordon
2014: Jason Verrett
Verrett has been on IR more than the field but, when healthy, is a pro bowl corner.
There are two ways to win in the NFL. Draft a high caliber quarterback and win while they are on their rookie deal or surround a veteran with elite, cheap talent. The Chargers chose the latter and it appears to be working out.
There has been a lot of talk about Rivers being the only elite quarterback from the 2004 draft that hasn’t won a ring.
This might be his best chance and only chance to lift the Lombardi.
Fourth Down
Just in case you were wondering; Nathan Peterman is back in the NFL. Oh, you forgot who he was? Let me refresh your memory.
Everyone: HOW IS NATHAN PETERMAN GETTING ANOTHER JOB!!!!!
Me: Watch the tape. pic.twitter.com/Iufq8LI3oV
— The Boston Sportaholic (@BostonSporta) December 19, 2018
Still need some help? I got you.
Nathan Peterman, a legendary career gone too soon but never forgotten
(Video via @TheKBahl) #Bills pic.twitter.com/3JHmr1rdkq
— NOTSportsCenter (@NOTSportsCenter) November 14, 2018
Remember when they said Kap sucked and can’t play in the NFL.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO takes deep breath LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL gasps for air LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
It’s hard to tell if Jon Gruden really thinks Peterman can play or if he’s trying to get fired in record time.
Extra Points
Eric Reid has been in the NFL for eleven weeks. He’s been drug tested seven times. This is clearly the NFL sending a sign. The crazy part? If the NFL just leaves him alone then this goes away.
Eric Reid has played in 11 games this season.
The NFL hit him with his 7th random drug test tonight
(via @E_Reid35) pic.twitter.com/0DLECIzTXE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 18, 2018
The Eagles beating the Rams gives just enough hope to be in complete despair when they lose to Washignton week 17.
Here’s your weekly reminder that Khalil Mack is not a human being.
Khalil Mack doesn’t need hands to get a sack https://t.co/1R4sH5X3FX
— No Huddle Chicago (@NoHuddleChicago) December 16, 2018
@ me: madads14
As always, thanks for reading.
ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.