Atlanta Falcons Will Not Face Cam Newton in Week 16

The Atlanta Falcons will be playing the Carolina Panthers this week, though a familiar face will be missing for Carolina. Cam Newton has been shut down for the season and will miss week 16 against Atlanta.

Bad news for the Atlanta Falcons fans hoping for a better draft pick this season, Cam Newton has been shut down for the 2018 season. With the Panther’s playoff hopes essentially done the Panthers have very little to play for.

Cam Newton will be shut down for the remainder of the season. For the Falcons this means they are unlikely to lose in week 16 taking on the Cam-less Panthers.

Taylor Heinicke will get the start against Atlanta, likely meaning Atlanta will beat Carolina. Newton has been shut down with a shoulder problem. While Newton has been unable to throw the football his ability to create plays will be missed against Atlanta.

A huge problem for Atlanta this season has been their inability to tackle in the open field. There are few players more difficult to tackle then Cam in the open field.

Heinicke meanwhile, is unlikely to run an aggressive offense in his first start. For the Falcons this means another win against an underwhelming Carolina team. Winning may be great for instant gratification but long term it is bad for a team who is only playing for a draft pick and to stay healthy at this point in the season.

For Atlanta, this should be an obvious message it is time to shut down their own starting quarterback. Shutting him down will protect him for next season and allow the Falcons a better chance to improve their draft pick.

It it time for Atlanta to protect their star players shutting them down and setting their sights on the draft and improving for the 2019 season. Any other decision is the wrong one, for a team whose season is over.