Cam Newton's return to Carolina hasn't been the storybook endeavor that both sides had hoped for earlier this season. In the second quarter of the Panthers' Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Rhule benched the former league MVP in place of P.J. Walker. This came after a tough opening half for Newton where Carolina found itself trailing Atlanta, 17-7, before he was relegated to the bench.
Newton did help lead the offense on a 65-yard touchdown drive on their first possession of the game that resulted in the quarterback rushing for a 12-yard score. However, he then proceeded to sandwich two three-and-outs in between a pick-six thrown by Newton that allowed Atlanta to take a 14-7 lead. Newton went to the bench completing six of his 11 passes for 88 yards and that interception.
First career interception? A PICK SIX 😏
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 12, 2021
📺: FOX | @MykalWalker3 pic.twitter.com/dvstICJm74
Newton's benching did not last long, however, as he he began the second half under center and was able to lead the team on a 60-yard touchdown drive to bring Carolina within a field goal. That's likely due to Walker struggling upon coming in under duress following Newton's benching. On his lone series of the game so far, Walker threw an interception on a third-and-6 throw to A.J. Terrell.
Despite coming back into the game, that was technically the second time Newton has been benched by the Panthers since returning to the team. The quarterback was also taken out in the fourth quarter of their Week 12 matchup with the Dolphins prior to their bye last week. Newton was inaccurate throwing the football in that game as he completed just 5 of 21 passes for 92 yards and threw two interceptions.
Over his last 14 starts, this is the fifth time that Newton has been benched.
