Cam Newton did something to make Carolina Panthers' coach Ron Rivera mad, so coach sat the star quarterback for one series at the start of Sunday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
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One series ended up being one play.
Backup QB Derek Anderson started the contest, and, on the first play of a game, threw a screen to fullback Mike Tolbert, who promptly let the pass go right off his hands and into the loving arms of Mike Morgan, the Seahawks' linebacker.
The move stunned everyone. TV announcers Al Michaels and Chris Collingsworth had no idea how to explain it to viewers, though various beat reporters said this:
Panthers' official says Cam Newton not starting was Ron Rivera's decision. He's healthy.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 5, 2016
NBC reported at halftime that Rivera benched Newton for a "dress code" violation. Shoes? Shirt? Who knows. Anyway, Rivera probably had enough after seeing this:
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/805586113050136576
Seattle ended up kicking a field goal and getting three points out of the play.
Twitter was as perplexed as Michaels, Collingworth, and most likely, a majority of the football watching audience.
Can't believe the Panthers benched their starter, Derek Anderson, after one INT that wasn't his fault. Now we see how this backup Cam does.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) December 5, 2016
#Panthers check list:
Bench Cam Newton ✅
Start Derek Anderson ✅
Throw (tipped) INT on first play ✅— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) December 5, 2016
Watching Derek Anderson howitzer chunk an INT at an intended target 3 yards away makes me forget the Browns were on a bye.
— Dawgs By Nature (@DawgsByNature) December 5, 2016
