Black and Blue Review
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will miss just the second game of his career on Sunday, and for the second time this season, he’ll be replaced by backup Derek Anderson against the Bucs.
Coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday that Anderson will start for Newton, who a day earlier suffered two transverse process fractures in his lower back in a car accident.
Newton spent the night in the hospital, and about an hour before he was released Wednesday morning, he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance last Sunday against the Saints. The 41-10 rout appeared to put some momentum behind the once-staggering Panthers. But just two days later, Newton was in a hospital bed.
“In true Cam fashion, he was disappointed for his teammates. He feels like he is letting everybody down,” Rivera said. “We’re worried about him getting healthy. We’re very fortunate, and he’s very fortunate.”
It’s unclear if Newton will be able to play in either of the Panthers’ final two games, but Rivera admitted Newton’s chances to at least get on the practice field this week are “not looking good.”
When Newton was recovering from broken ribs in Week 1, Anderson led the Panthers to a 20-14 win in Tampa Bay. Making his first start since 2010, Anderson was 24-of-34 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Now the 10-year veteran gets another crack at the Bucs.
“The most important thing about this whole week and yesterday is the safety and health of one of my brothers. We’re all thinking about him and hoping for a speedy recovery,” Anderson said. “Also, we’re all fired up about this weekend and the opportunity we’re going to have. It’s going to take a city-wide effort to get the stadium rocking.”
Despite having just four wins in 13 games, the Panthers are still in the thick of a playoff race. But they likely need to win their final three games to repeat as NFC South champions.
Just like Newton’s injuries could have been much worse, the Panthers could do worse than Anderson. One of the most respected backups in the league gives Carolina a decent chance to put together its first win streak since the start of the season.
“We’re very fortunate. Obviously, Cam is our guy and is a franchise, elite-type guy. But D.A. could play in a lot of cities. I’m sure a lot of teams right now would to have D.A. in their locker room,” said tight end Greg Olsen, who connected with Anderson on eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. “This is not going to be an excuse. We expect to play well and pick up where we left off and win the game.”