Detroit Lions need to contain Cam Newton to win in week five
By Ash Thompson
Cam Newton is the key to the Panthers’ offense in 2017. The Lions defense needs to keep the big man from being a factor.
Both contestants in this week’s Detroit Lions game are three and one going in. One team will come out with a record that puts them in a commanding position for at least a wild card berth, and the other will be a single loss from .500.
Cam Newton has not had a particularly good season for the Panthers, week four’s beating he handed the Patriots defense notwithstanding. Against the Saints he managed only 167 yards passing and threw three interceptions. He managed 171 against the 49ers, and 228 against the Bills. With Greg Olsen out, the Panther’s passing game is not dangerous.
The Panthers are winning games with defense more often than not, but the last two weeks have given a road map for how to, and how not to play them on defense. The determining factor on whether they can keep pace with their opponents has been whether or not Newton performed.
The Defense gave up 34 points to the Saints, who limited Newton, and the Panthers lost. The Patriots put up 30 in a losing effort, but Newton and company kept pace. Neither of those teams has a good defense, it the Saints had been allowing 512.5 yards per game when they took the field with Carolina in week three. They limited Carolina to nine points.
The key is hitting Newton when he doesn’t want to be hit. It was something the Saints managed, and the Patriots did not. The Panthers’ offensive tackles are not particularly good. Anthony Zettel and Ezekiel Ansah could be looking at a big day this weekend.
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The Panthers are team with no pass rush, Matthew Stafford and co. should be able to put up points. Jarrad Davis‘ expected return from a concussion shoudl help against Newton on the ground as well. The Lions defense will need to step in as they have all year for the team to win on Sunday at Ford Field.