Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, save for one awful decision, was absolutely fine in the first half of Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. But you’d never know it if you only followed along on through social media.
Down 17-7 with just over three minutes remaining in the first half, the Panthers subbed Newton out for backup PJ Walker. And, of course, the Twitter machine went to work without the context behind the move . . .
PJ Walker has replaced Cam Newton at QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2021
Cam Newton has been benched.
P.J. Walker time. pic.twitter.com/tw4ufmaFGv
— FantasyLabs NFL (@FantasyLabsNFL) December 12, 2021
This is also the fifth time Cam Newton has been benched in his last 14 starts.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 12, 2021
“Benched” would imply Newton was relieved of his duties for the rest of the game. But that, of course, was not the case because, ya know, there’s quite the business in rooting for the 11th-year quarterback to fail.
As stated numerous times by head coach Matt Rhule over the past handful of weeks, Walker has a better feel for the team’s two-minute offense than Newton. Well, gee, that seems pretty sensical considering Newton’s been back for about a month while Walker is on his second season with Carolina.
And—wouldn’t you know it?—Newton would come back under center straight out of the half. He subsequently led the Panthers on an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive, completing three of his four throws for 28 yards while rushing for another 16.
