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October 25, 2018 at 12:12 am.

Ravens face challenge against Panthers QB Newton

Cam Newton poses a huge challenge for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Carolina Panthers quarterback is a dual threat that enables him to break down even the most stingiest defenses.

Last week against the Eagles, Newton completed 16 of 22 passes for 201 passes and two touchdowns just in the fourth quarter, leading the Panthers to a stunning 21-17 victory after trailing 21-0 entering the final 15 minutes.

The Ravens want to make sure he does not have a repeat performance in their matchup Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

“They do a great job of getting him out there as a runner,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He runs the ball – he’ll slide occasionally – but most of the time he’s low on his shoulder and trying to get first downs, even blocking. I mean, he’s down there sometimes after he gives it on some of that stuff, if he’s down there throwing blocks.

“But I guess he’s protected well. He does that, so I’m not sure how that works. (He is a) very physical player, tough to bring down in the pocket, just a real physical guy as a quarterback.”

Baltimore (4-3) is looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 24-23 loss to New Orleans in Week 7 when Justin Tucker missed the first extra point of his seven-year career. Despite the setback, the Ravens are still ranked first in the league for fewest yards (280.6) and fewest points (14.4) allowed.

Baltimore’s main focus will be containing Newton, who has thrown for 1,427 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also run for three scores.

“Superman! I mean, how often do you get to play against a superhero? His nickname kind of speaks for himself.” linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “He’s definitely going to be difficult to bring down, but hopefully neither one of us has to do it by ourselves.”

The Ravens have struggled to establish an effective running attack and are entering Week 8 with the league’s 22nd-ranked rushing offense. The Panthers are stout against the run allowing 95 yards per game.

The onus could fall on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to make big plays downfield. Flacco is ranked fifth in the NFL with 2,067 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. Receiver John Brown has caught 28 passes for 558 yards and four touchdowns.

They are butting heads with a Panthers’ secondary that has been effective containing opponents.

“We understand we’re going against a good football team, but we have confidence in what we’re doing and what our defense is doing,” Flacco said. “So, we just have to keep our foot down on the pedal and just kind of (take it) one play at a time, locked in, and that’s everybody. I think if we do that, then we’ll limit all those chances.”

Following the game against the Panthers, the Ravens have a huge matchup against the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2-1) at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore already won in Pittsburgh 26-14 in Week 4, and can complete a series sweep.

SERIES HISTORY: 6th regular-season meeting. Panthers lead series, 3-2. Despite trailing in the overall series, Baltimore has won two straight – both under head coach John Harbaugh. The teams last met in 2014 when the Ravens earned a 38-10 victory at M&T Bank Stadium. Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. had seven receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns against his former team.

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