The sample size is just five drives, but the reigning MVP has been dialed in while following Jerry Richardson’s advice to take more “layups.”
Newton’s Career Preseason Numbers
| Comp | Att | Pct | TD | INT | Sacks | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-2015 | 99 | 200 | 49.5 | 6 | 2 | 17 | 75.3 |
| 2016 | 13 | 18 | 72.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 126.6 |
When Ron Rivera explained the Panthers’ No. 2 RB is essentially a combination of Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert, Carolina’s coach added: “The guy we have to find out about is Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher.”
But Wegher’s had no snaps with the starters and just two drives with backup QB Derek Anderson. Given little room to run, Wegher’s managed just 35 yards on 17 carries.
Artis-Payne, meanwhile, hasn’t shown much while splitting snaps between the 1s and 2s. He’s rushed eight times for 20 yards, but his two receptions against the Titans did go for a total of 24 yards.
The Panthers sure have stuck to their plan of easing Benjamin back in. He saw a total of 17 snaps against the Ravens and Titans, which is halfway to where Rivera hopes Benjamin will be by kickoff in Denver.
With the starters set for a workload that will take them through at least one drive in the third quarter, Benjamin should be in for 17 plays — at least.
After missing a week with back spasms, Olsen logged a limited and full practice this week. He never wants to miss a game, series or snap, and according to Rivera, the Pro Bowler will play if he’s feeling fine.
Olsen doesn’t need to stay in with the group that plays into the third quarter, though, right?
Despite a strong outing against the Titans, the Panthers still aren’t sold on Donald Hawkins. He could come in with Anderson and company again, but Daryl Williams continued to see some time on the left side with the 2s at practice this week.
When Love returned this spring on a 1-year deal, his role on the 53-man roster was mostly assumed. But after the Panthers made Vernon Butler their top draft pick, Robert Thomas and Eric Crume have been pushing Love for a possible fifth spot in the middle of the line.
The priority UDFA has gone from a fish out of water in the spring to a guy who’s a threat Ben Jacobs’ roster spot.
Jacobs is back after an ankle injury kept him out of the first two exhibitions. Against the Ravens and Titans, Cash racked up seven tackles on defense while adding a special teams stop.
The rookie’s already had a full week. First, he was picked on by the Titans. Three days later, he had ‘a misunderstanding’ with WR Devin Funchess.
To his credit, Worley admitted he was ‘very unimpressed’ with how he played in Tennessee. Whether it’s Tom Brady or Jimmy Garoppolo, the Patriots will likely pass a good bit, so Worley should have a chance to be more aggressive than he was in Nashville.
I’ll have more on this Friday, but the Panthers are still figuring out how to best approach the NFL’s new rule that brings touchbacks out to the 25-yard line. Strategies are up in the air for the kickoff and return teams, so expect some testing Friday night.