4 Key Matchups to Watch for Against the Panthers
By Colin Floyd
Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) covers Arizona Cardinals running back Marion Grice (23) on a passing play during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks won 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Legion of Boom vs. Cam Newton
Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell started the season out very poorly, giving up 276 yards through the air to Phillip Rivers in Week 2, followed by games of 296, 275 and 239 in Week 6.
After that however, there would only be two other quarterbacks the entire season who would throw for over 200 yards against them: Eli Manning in Week 10 (283) and Shaun Hill in Week 17 (243). Cam Newton on the other hand, has had a down year in fantasy scoring as well as winning football games and staying healthy. Having missed two games in the regular season and very visibly enduring a great deal of pain in last week’s matchup against Arizona, Newton is not having his typically “Super” season.
After breaking his back in two places due to a freak car accident, Newton has not been able to play with his usual physicality and electricity. Against Arizona, Coach Rivera clearly wanted him to throw as little as possible as it was evident that his throwing motion was causing him to wince; this was clear through Newton’s seven rushes, along with Stewart’s 24. If the Panthers get behind early, Newton will be forced to throw often, which is exactly what the Legion of Boom are hoping for and what all Carolina fans should fear.
Newton — 3127 yards passing; 18 passing touchdowns; 12 INTs
LOB — 185.6 yards/game (1st); 13 INTs