5 bold predictions for Dolphins against Panthers

1. Dolphins force Panthers’ QB Cam Newton into 2 lost fumbles

Brian Flores’ team has been getting opportunistic touch back when they need it most.

As previously mentioned, the Miami Dolphins led the league a year ago with 29 takeaways. That included 18 interceptions, tied for the most in the NFL with three other clubs.

In 11 games this year, the ‘Fins have managed to force only 16 turnovers. The club has nine takeaways in four victories and come up with only seven opponent miscues in as many losses. And speaking of seven, that’s exactly how many takeaways Flores’ team has during its current three-game winning streak.

Now the Dolphins prepare to face a quarterback they battled twice a year ago. Cam Newton is back as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. A year ago, he was the main man for Bill Belichick’s team. The Patriots split with Miami in 2020. While the uniform last season is different, there is certainly familiarity with the player.

Newton played sparingly against the Cardinals in Week 10, running for one score and throwing for another. He started last Sunday vs. Washington and threw two more TD passes. He’s been sacked just once and hasn’t turned over the football. But that may be about to change on Sunday.