Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers offense let defense down
By Mike Dyce
The 34-27 score indicates that the Carolina Panthers handled the Baltimore Ravens in the third week of the preseason game. Well, the defense did at least. Four of those touchdowns came off of returns, not from the offense.
“When the defense plays like that, I feel like we let those guys down,” quarterback Cam Newton told reporters, via The Charlotte Observer.
Head coach Ron Rivera was less critical of the offense.
“When you score (four) touchdowns on defense and special teams, the offense doesn’t get back out there. The opportunities are limited,” Rivera said. “Now having said that, (3.5) yards on average (per) offensive play is not good enough. Not in this league, if we expect to win football games. We cannot accept that.”
Rookie defensive tackle Star Lotulelei had a different take.
“I think Ted Ginn did a great job of getting the game going for us. He went out there and scored and got a spark into everybody. And then the defense went out and took care of business,” Lotulelei said.
It could have the Panthers fans worried headed into the regular season.