Black and Blue Review
STATS AND SUPERLATIVES
The Panthers:
- Snapped a 10-game winless streak against the AFC North. Their last win over a team from the division was a 23-21 victory against the Ravens on 10/15/06.
- Had nine first downs in the first quarter and held the Browns to eight first downs in the game.
- Have dominated first downs (55-23), total yards (796-515) and time of possession (75:26-44:34) in their last two games. Their total margin of victory in those wins is six points.
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NFC TITLE GAME SET
It hasn’t been the most efficient path to the postseason doorstep, but one more win will put the Panthers in the playoffs. And for a 6-8-1 team that appeared to be out of the mix three weeks ago, that’s all that matters.
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The Panthers’ winner-take-all matchup with the Falcons wasn’t moved to primetime, but it could still be flexed into a later timeslot. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff, but there’s a good possibility it could be changed to 4:25 p.m.
SCHEDULING POSSIBILITIES
OBSERVATIONS
When quarterback Cam Newton came out in pads, he did his traditional sprint onto the field with his arms outstretched. He then playfully grabbed receivers coach Ricky Proehl and head coach Ron Rivera as he zipped around them.
FIRST HALF
Incredible interception by cornerback Josh Norman. When he fumbled it back to the Browns, linebacker Luke Kuechly threw his arms down like a kid who was told ‘no.’ Kuechly later gave Norman some encouragement during the review.
SECOND HALF
QUOTES TO NOTE
“I was blessed to catch it. God and his angels allowed me to catch it. The devils and the demons allowed them to steal my joy. But you know what, it’s all good because at the end of the day, we got the ‘W’ and that’s all that matters.” — Panthers cornerback Josh Norman
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PANTHERS POLL
VIDEO
HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTOS
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GAME STORY
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cam Newton’s teammates have never doubted his toughness.
But their respect for the fourth-year quarterback has now reached an entirely different level.
Newton threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and the Panthers defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-13 to take sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
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GAME BOOK
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GameWeek TIMELINE
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Panthers Cautious About Newton's Comeback
As the playoff-hopeful Panthers began their week of preparation for the Browns, Cam Newton's status remained unclear. Read more
Thankful and Remorseful, Alexander Returns
When defensive end Frank Alexander turns 25 on Wednesday, his biggest present will be getting to practice for the first time this season. Read more
Panthers Head Into Week 16 A-Half Game Behind Saints
The easiest-to-understand scenario to take the NFC South is: Panthers go 2-0; Saints go 1-1. Read more
Mike Tolbert in the Christmas Spirit
Christmas music blared through the Panthers' locker room Wednesday. The source: A speaker from Mike Tolbert's locker. Read more
10 Things to Know About Newton's Status After Wednesday
The Panthers have not yet made a decision on who will start at quarterback Sunday. Read more
Norman, Panthers Mostly Mum on Manziel
If any Panthers were willing to share some colorful opinions on Johnny Manziel, it would be Josh Norman. Read more
Alexander Returns, Awaits Activation
Frank Alexander has spent plenty of time on the Panthers' practice fields over the last few months, but he always had to leave by the time practice started. Read more
Cam Newton (?) Vs. Johnny Manziel
The Panthers won't know until later this week if Cam Newton will be able to play Sunday, but everyone knows the quarterback they'll be facing. Read more
Quotes to Note
"If you want to talk a big game and have all this hype behind you, you need to go out and support that and play better.” - Browns QB Johnny Manziel Read more
Newton Closer to Returning
A day after he practiced for the first time since his car accident,Cam Newton moved a day closer to starting against the Browns. Read more
Carolina's Late-Season Surprise
Mike Remmers has become one of the best stories of the Panthers' season. Read more
Friday's Injury Report and Notes
DeAngelo Williams will miss his third straight game with a broken bone in his hand. Read more
Newton Still Likely to Start
The only thing keeping Ron Rivera from pegging Cam Newton as his the starting quarterback against the Browns is Saturday morning. Read more
Panthers Will Activate Alexander, When Remains Unclear
Frank Alexander could play Sunday. If not, he'll definitely face the Falcons. Read more
3 Young Panthers Making a Big Difference
As they make a final postseason push, the Panthers are fortunate to have a few young guys playing very well. Read more
Cleaning Out the Week 16 Quotebook
“I like it because he’s a scrambler. I like going and chasing.” - Kony Ealy on Johnny Manziel Read more