Cam Newton said this week he will throw at Pro Bowl Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman Sunday -- and he had better.
If you don't go after Sherman at least to some extent, you shrink the available field to throw in by a third. It makes it too easy for Seattle's safeties to cover everything else, and too difficult to ever get big chunks of yardage.
And Newton will need at least one explosive play today from one of his receivers. In 2012 and 2013 in previous home games against Seattle, Newton hasn't had a pass play of more than 27 yards in either game. That contributed mightily to the fact that Carolina's offense has only scored one TD combined in those two games (the only other TD was a pick-six interception return by Captain Munnerlyn) and that Newton has thrown for less than 150 yards in both of them.
Russell Wilson, on the other hand, threw for 320 yards in Seattle's 12-7 win last season.
-- I thought Panther safety -- and former North Carolina defensive back -- Tre Boston had a good point when he was talking about UNC's academic fraud scandal this week. He said it had devalued his own degree, which he said he obtained in 3.5 years with no "paper" classes.
"Luckily I'm playing here," Boston said. "But one day I'm going to have to use that degree out in the world and I don't want somebody to be like, 'Hey, you were there when all the academic fraud stuff went down.' So it's kind of sad."
-- You know that Russell Wilson once starred at N.C. State. But do you remember that Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka went there for a single season in 2007 after transferring from Division III Middlebury College, where he originally played soccer? And how about J.R. Sweezy? The Seahawks' starting right guard is from Mooresville and started as a junior and senior in Raleigh as a defensive tackle before the Seahawks converted him to the offensive line.
-- I am 4-2-1 picking the Panthers' outcome. The Seahawks' defense has gone downhill some from last year's No.1 unit, but it hasn't dropped nearly as far as Carolina's. My prediction: Seattle 30, Carolina 20.
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9 years ago
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1-5 over the last six. Good thing the Hornets start next week. Same old same old from the Panthers, yawn.
I will be surprised if the Panthers stay within 2 TD's of the Seahawks. I expect a loss in the neighborhood of 20 points.
Speaking of UNC, when are you going to regale us with your erudite thoughts on the mother of all academic/athletic cheating scandals?
With the Panthers releasing good players without talking to them about contract terms, it is no wonder their play continues downhill. Another loss is certain against Seattle, Panthers 17 Seahawks 37.
You need a better QB. On his best day, Newton is barely average.
I'll be watching The Simpsons by 2:15.
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