When Panthers quarterback Cam Newton took off from the pocket toward the end zone late in the first half Sunday, everyone on the Panthers’ sideline sensed what was coming next.
That included teammates, coaches and a medical staff that had to wince as Newton leaped from the 3-yard line and extended his surgically repaired shoulder toward the goal line.
“I think the whole (coaches) box and sideline knew that once he got to the 8-yard line that he was going airborne,” offensive coordinator Mike Shula said. “Somebody said a couple of trainers were anticipating it on (Newton’s) way down.