Cam Newton, offense expected to ramp it up

Aug 18, 2013

Through two preseason games, the Carolina Panthers offense hardly resembles itself from the previous two seasons.

There have been no read options, no quarterback keepers, zero Wildcat formations and barely any play action.

But this isn’t what the Panthers’ offense under Mike Shula is predicted to look like in his first year as offensive coordinator after taking over the position vacated by Rob Chudzinski. Instead, Carolina – like every team in the NFL – is running a vanilla brand of its playbook, using what quarterback Cam Newton calls its “bread and butter” plays and apparently leaving out the jelly.

Fantasy Impact:

Newton has had just four play-action snaps in his 45 total plays this season. That's not how the season should play out, but the team does want to keep Newton in the pocket more. That hasn't really affected his draft rank. He sits behind the top-three Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning as pretty much the fourth-best option for QBs in drafts. With an ADP of the fourth round, if you really want Cam you should have a shot at getting him.

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Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.