In the first game since his return, Cam Newton celebrates a successful comeback for the Carolina Panthers. In doing so, “Super Cam” shows right away how valuable he can be for the offense. Thanks to him, even the playoffs are back in sight.

Munich – An eventful week for Cam Newton culminates in the Carolina Panthers’ surprising and emphatic win over the Arizona Cardinals.

“A week ago today I was sitting at home eating a bowl of cereal,” a visibly relaxed Newton declared after the game.

He was alluding to his surprising return to the Panthers last Thursday after actual starter Sam Darnold got injured.

Although the veteran was only on the field for a few selected plays, he left a lasting impression here. The first two drives each ended in a touchdown by Newton – once by a run and once through the air. The Panthers looked intoxicated in the aftermath.

Newton’s flair inspires Panthers

While Sam Darnold has been getting little done offensively of late, the Panthers were surprisingly determined and effective against the Arizona favourite. P.J. Walker, who was named the starter during the week despite Newton’s signing, led the offense into the red zone on the first drive.

Then came Newton’s big play: from two yards out, the 6-foot-9 giant strolled almost gracefully toward the end zone despite several Cardinals defenders chasing him. In the end, the will and the force of the 32-year-old were too strong.

“Nothing against them, but I’m hovering on an all-time high. It’s almost scary,” Newton explained his performance after the match. In doing so, he not only showcased his skills as a runner.

TD pass fits perfectly – soon starter?

The fact that Newton was initially used only as a “gadget” player and not as a full starter also had to do with the tight preparation time.

Although he didn’t leave the Panthers until 2020, a lot has happened with the franchise. For example, “Super Cam” must first internalise the playbook of new head coach Matt Rhule, who took over only after Newton left the Panthers.

At least it seems to have been enough for a few pages of material. In the second Panthers drive, Newton was also called onto the field at a crucial moment. This time, however, he didn’t run into the end zone, but found wide receiver Robby Anderson with a nice pass from close range.

“We practiced that a couple of times before. We knew the opportunity was going to come,” Anderson said after the game. The fact that the starter question remains open in Carolina also has to do with Walker’s good performance. The former XFL star threw for 167 yards and played a big part in Newton being able to make such an impact.

After the game, however, Rhule made it clear: “We brought him in to make sure he plays.” So once Newton has internalised the playbook, he should start. In the process, he could still play an important role in the Panthers’ season.

Playoffs suddenly not impossible

Although the Panthers’ defence has been convincing for the most part this season, Carolina is in the middle of the league with a record of five wins and five losses. The reason for this is the inconsistent offence, which doesn’t always get the horsepower it has on the road.

If the offence can stabilise under Walker and later probably Newton, a play-off participation seems to be within sight again. After all, the Panthers’ expectations have not diminished since the signing of the first-overall pick in the 2011 draft.

“We’re not bringing him back to sell tickets, we’re bringing him back to attack,” Coach Rhule said in the course of introducing the former MVP. In the first game with Newton, the team put their coach’s words into action.

Against the Cardinals, Newton showed: He too has come to win.