At 5-7 and losing their playoffs lives at an alarming rate, the Carolina Panthers needed a change and they needed one quickly. And even though the dismissal of Joe Brady may or may not have been the prudent call, something did—in fact—happen quickly in the offense’s first drive without him.
On the opening possession of the Week 14 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, and the first under new offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, the Panthers trekked into the end zone for a nine-play, 65-yard drive. The smooth trip was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cam Newton to give Carolina an early 7-0 lead.
Just keep running.
Just keep running.
Just keep running.📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/i6lCl1ukUz
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 12, 2021
Didn't know we could love a slow-mo clip so much 🤟🏾
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/JvjzHopM0p
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 12, 2021
Newton’s rushing score was already his fourth (through three games and a not even a quarter) of the 2021 season. He also went three-for-three on his passes for 33 yards on the drive.
Those three passes were a complement to the six runs called by the offense. That ratio, obviously, will be something to keep an eye on as head coach Matt Rhule looks to keep establishing the run.
