Game Time Decision: Should Superman Play?

The Carolina Panthers open up their season this year in Tampa Bay for an epic NFC South battle against the Buccaneers. Last year, Carolina boasted a 12-4 record, and fell one game short of reaching the NFC title game. Over the offseason, numerous setbacks occurred that will have major ramifications on the 2014-2015 campaign.

The major conflict that will hinder the Panther’s success this year will be the health of their quarterback. Cam Newton limps into opening day still recovering from an ankle surgery he had in the spring. To add insult to injury, Newton is also nursing a hairline rib fracture he received against the Patriots in a humiliating preseason defeat. Head coach Ron Rivera prefers that Newton would sit this game out.

But Superman still wants to play.

Throughout Newton’s three-year tenure in the Queen City, he never missed a practice, let alone a game. Cam is a fiery competitor and loves to be on the field to help the Panthers win. Newton is built like a tight end, and his massive frame can cushion the impact he receives on a gamely basis. Newton also received a new flack vest that will add major support to his ribs. If Cam had it his, he would suit up to play in the sweltering Tampa Bay heat.

However, Ron Rivera has different plans. Throughout this week, the 2013 Coach of the year has said, “the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.” Since the quarterback, coach duo arrived to Carolina, they became the face of the franchise. Cam has become the talk of the town, and an icon to the city of Charlotte. A buzz flows through the streets because Panthers fans finally have a quarterback they can depend on. Morale in the Carolinas will deplete drastically if they lose their quarterback for a stretch of the season if he rushes into the season and re-injures himself. To the dismay of fantasy owners, it would be best for Newton to view this game on the sideline.

Because of Cam’s numerous injuries, he has missed substantial amounts of practice time. Every NFL quarterback needs chemistry with his pass catchers, and that’s a commodity Newton doesn’t have. Derrick Anderson has taken the majority of the first team reps with the remade receiving corps. D.A. has started 43 games, and was a Pro-Bowler before nestling in as Cam’s backup. If Anderson started this game, it wouldn’t be that much of a set back. He has proven that he is a quality quarterback and can put up exceptional numbers.

Newton would also be subject to the Buccaneers’ elite defensive front if he played in the game. Gerald McCoy and the rest of Tampa Bay’s defensive line are sure to put up big stats against a novice Panthers offensive line. Robert Griffin III is also the prime example of what can happen if a player forgoes all the warning signs and plays anyway.

Instead of being a vigilantly and putting the team on his shoulders like he usually does, Cam should brush aside his pride and let his team win the game for him. The Cardiac Cats have a legitimate chance of defending their title as NFC South champions. If Superman got hit with the right amount of Kryptonite, the Panthers' season would go down the drain in a hurry.

Emmanuel Morgan