Panthers at Cardinals
THE STORY: Top overall pick Cam Newton will make his NFL debut on Sunday as the Carolina Panthers pay a visit to the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals. The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner has struggled with his accuracy during the preseason – an issue he needs to remedy as he ventures into his maiden campaign. Arizona's offseason acquisition Kevin Kolb will look to establish some early-season chemistry with Pro Bowl wideout Larry Fitzgerald, who inked an eight-year, $120 million contract last month.
TV: FOX, 4:15 p.m. ET. LINE: Cardinals -5.5, O/U 37
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (2010: 2-14, 4th, NFC South): Newton isn't the only one getting his feet wet Sunday, as Ron Rivera will coach his first NFL game. The two would be wise to rely on DeAngelo Williams, who signed a five-year, $43 million deal in the offseason. Williams will look to rebound from last year's foot injury and re-ignite the Panthers' powerful rushing attack with Jonathan Stewart. Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith (46 receptions, 554 yards, 2 TDs) has been vocal in the offseason about showing that he has more left in the tank. Charles Johnson (team-high 12.0 sacks) and Jon Beason (121 tackles) lead a defense that is better than last season's record indicates.
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (2010: 5-11, 4th NFC West): After playing second fiddle to Michael Vick with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kolb came to the desert in a deal for Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick. Kolb, who tossed three 300-yard games in seven career starts, would be wise to locate Fitzgerald (90 catches, 1,137 yards, 6 TDs) and veteran tight end Todd Heap. Former first-round pick Beanie Wells (116 carries, 397 yards, 2 TDs) is expected to carry the load in the backfield after Tim Hightower was shipped to the Washington Redskins.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Prior to this campaign, only one rookie – offensive lineman Levi Brown – started a season opener under Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt's watch. This season, cornerback Patrick Peterson and fullback Anthony Sherman have been named starters. Peterson, the fifth overall pick in April's draft, will be looked upon to replace Rodgers-Cromartie.
2. The Panthers ranked 32nd (read: dead last) in points per game (12.3), passing yards (143.1) and total yards (258.4) last season.
3. Carolina has won eight of the 10 meetings between the clubs. Last season, then-Panthers kicker John Kasay kicked four field goals and Stewart rushed for 137 yards as Carolina snapped a seven-game skid with a 19-12 victory on Dec. 19.