The Carolina Panthers are 24th in the NFL in total yards per game (335.5). Their 28th in the league in points per game (17.7), while holding a minus six in the turnover category.
Last season however, the Chicago Bears had a tough time containing a then rookie QB Cam Newton in 34-29 victory over Carolina.
Newton lit up the Bears at Soldier Field for 374 passing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns and three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing).
The Bears’ defense allows a league low (71.0) yards per game on the ground this season.
Newton has completed just 58.4 percent of his passes this season. He has tossed five touchdowns, six interceptions and has fumbled the ball five times.
He has had success running the ball this season. He’s ran 46 times for 273 yards and three touchdowns including a long of 40 yards.
The Bears’ defense has to contain Newton on Sunday because if not he will make them pay.
He is playing upset after last week’s loss to Dallas. He extends plays with his feet and he’ll be looking to do that plenty come Sunday.
His favorite targets this season have been receivers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and tight end Greg Olsen.
The Bears haven’t been great at matching up against opposing tight ends, so look for Greg Olsen to have a solid day against his former team.
Steve Smith has had success against the Bears in the past, but I think Charles “Peanut” Tillman is up for the task of covering him.
It’s pretty simple, if the Bears’ defense can limit Newton’s runs and force him to make bad throws they will likely come away with the victory.
As long as the Bears’ offense stays on the field and keeps their amount of turnovers down, the Bears’ defense could be that much better.
The less time the veteran Bears’ defense matches up against Newton and Co. the better for this entire team.
Cam Newton against the Bears’ defense for the second straight season should be interesting on Sunday.
The Bears won the matchup a year ago, but Newton kept it close.
Will the Bears allow Newton to play as well as he did a year ago?
It should be a fun one to watch.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
