After dropping three straight games, the Los Angeles Rams are hoping to avoid any kind of bye week hangover as they prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers. It has been nearly a month without NFL action in Los Angeles and what better way to bring it back than a matchup with reigning MVP, Cam Newton.
While the attention has largely surrounded the team’s current quarterback situation, Newton has also made headlines for the comments he made regarding the alleged illegal hits he has endured over the past several games.
According to Myles Simmons of Rams, defensive end William Hayes offered a quick solution to Newton’s recent late-hit woes:
“He probably needs to slide a little bit faster,” Hayes said.
The veteran edge rusher then went on to elaborate his thoughts on Newton, who he believes is an outstanding football player:
“He’s a quarterback that’s just as big as defensive ends, and he’s running just as good as a running back, and he can throw — he’s probably got one of the strongest arms in the NFL,” Hayes said. “So you put all of that together, you’ve got a man [that you’re] trying to hit. He’s an outstanding football player.”
Despite their 2-5 record, the Panthers, along with their stud quarterback, are still one of the more formidable opponents in the league. If the Rams are unable to contain Newton’s big-play ability, they could be in for a long afternoon.
Luckily, they hope to have a number of key defensive players like Hayes and Trumaine Johnson back for their Week 8 matchup at home.
