CHARLOTTE — Ron Rivera knew at some point he would have to prepare a game plan to face his former quarterback and longtime friend Cam Newton.
That time is here.
Newton will start Sunday when the Panthers (5-5) host the Washington Football Team (3-6) in a game that pits a quarterback against his former coach of nine seasons in Carolina.
Together, Newton and Rivera helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in the 2015 season and win three division titles.
The star quarterback released a hype video Sunday morning ahead of the matchup. Check it out in the video below.
[ALSO READ: ‘I’m back’: Cam Newton returns to Panthers]
Rivera was fired late in the 2019 season and Newton was let go the following offseason by a new Panthers regime.
But Newton rejoined the Panthers last week on a one-year deal after Carolina’s quarterback situation reached the point of desperation after struggling starter Sam Darnold went down with a 4-6 week shoulder injury.
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. ((AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. ((AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. ((AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. ((AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. ((AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton warms up before an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones) (Rusty Jones/AP)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team fumbles under the pressure by Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington vs. Carolina Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team makes a 12-yard touchdown reception over Jeremy Chinn #21 and Shaq Thompson #7 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers dives for an incomplete pass in front of Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team in the first quarterof the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: DeAndre Carter #1 of the Washington Football Team makes a 4-yard touchdown reception over Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team throws a pass under pressure by Jeremy Chinn #21 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass over the defense of the Washington Football Team during the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team makes a 12-yard touchdown reception over Jeremy Chinn #21 and Shaq Thompson #7 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Casey Toohill #95 and Bobby McCain #20 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers tackles DeAndre Carter #1 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by the defense of the Washington Football Team rushing the ball in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers deliverers a10-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Moore #2 in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: D.J. Moore #2 of the Carolina Panthers has a pass broken up by Danny Johnson #36 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers rushes for a 24-yard touchdown against the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team fumble is recovered by Frankie Luvu #49 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Adam Humphries #13 of the Washington Football Team completes a catch over A.J. Bouye #24 and Myles Hartsfield #38 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team throws a pass under pressure by Jeremy Chinn #21 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Frankie Luvu #49 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammates after a fumble recovery in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers fakes a hand off to Christian McCaffrey #22 in the second quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team fumble is recovered by Frankie Luvu #49 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Football Team under center during the second quarter of the game against the defense of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown pass to D.J. Moore #2 (not pictured)in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Sean Chandler #34 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates rushing for a 24-yard touchdown against the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers rushes for a 24-yard touchdown against the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Washington Football Team v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Frankie Luvu #49 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammates after a fumble recovery in the first quarter of the game against the Washington Football Team at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared Tilton/Getty Images)
The 32-year-old QB’s return couldn’t have gone any better as he provided an instant jolt to the offense, scoring touchdowns the first two times he touched the ball coming off the bench in Carolina’s 34-10 upset win on the road last week against the Arizona Cardinals. Newton has single-handedly rejuvenated a team that had lost five of its six previous games.
Rivera makes his return to Charlotte, where he was a popular figure for most of his tenure.
“It’s going to make for a heck of a game,” Rivera said.
Rivera said the Panthers adding Newton was a “bold move” considering the playmakers the team already has on offense, including Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.
“They have some talent there,” Rivera said.
Newton has been cramming to learn the offense after joining the team at practice last Friday. He had a 10- to 15-play package going into the Arizona game, but Panthers coach Matt Rhule is hoping Newton can grasp enough of the offense to start this week over P.J. Walker.
[ALSO READ: Cam Newton: Focus is on present, the past is ‘irrelevant’]
Rhule said it is not so much about Newton learning the playbook, but more about learning the game plan, including protections in the running and passing game.
“We all understand Cam is like a force of nature in the things he brings” on the field, Rhule said. “But I don’t want that to be all that people realize. I’ve only known him a short time. What I see is a true professional that wants to win and puts the time in.”
Added Rivera: “I think it’s an opportunity for him to go back home, to pick up where he started off. It’s kind of a cool deal.”
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Brandon Zylstra #16 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers stiff arms Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Isaiah Simmons #9 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals passes the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes the ball for a first down against Marco Wilson #20 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Spencer Brown #33 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Donte Jackson #26 of the Carolina Panthers runs after an interception against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers lays on the field after being injured on a play in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Morgan Fox #91 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals after Fox recovered a fumble in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers rushes the ball for a touchdown against Zaven Collins #25 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after making an interception against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers in the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball after the catch against Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Isaiah Simmons #9 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Carolina Panthers kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers is tripped up on a tackle by Chris Banjo #31 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring on a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Ameer Abdullah #20 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball after the catch against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Matt Prater #5 of the Arizona Cardinals kicks a field goal against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Isaiah Simmons #9 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring on a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers waits to take the snap in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) (Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Dennis Gardeck #45 of the Arizona Cardinals pressures the play of P.J. Walker #6 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a field goal in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Chris Streveler #15 of the Arizona Cardinals scrambles with the ball against Shaq Thompson #7 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: A fan of the Carolina Panthers holds up a sign 'Welcome Home Cam!' during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Zane Gonzalez #5 of the Carolina Panthers kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Things to watch when Washington visits Carolina:
HEINICKE’S RETURN
Rivera isn’t the only one with ties for Carolina.
Washington’s starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke — as well as his backup Kyle Allen — previously played for the Panthers before moving on to Washington.
“I think he’s playing with a lot more confidence,” Rivera said of Heinicke. “I think his decision-making is getting better, obviously, and I think with him it’s just a matter of getting reps and opportunities. I think he has improved a lot and we’re seeing it.”
Also, Washington’s executive vice president of football/player personnel Marty Hurney served two tenures as Carolina’s general manager.
Terry McLaurin took a big hit from Tampa Bay safety Jordan Whitehead to make a third-down catch late in Washington’s upset victory last week and popped to his feet with no delay. The team’s top receiver with 632 yards and four touchdown catches is determined to play that way and lead by example.
[Carolina Panthers fans among cheapest in NFL]
“I’m never afraid to go over the middle and put my nose in there catching the ball, blocking and things like that because being a leader and the type of player that I am, I feel like that’s extremely important,” McLaurin said.
“I pray before every game just to have health and strength. Wins, losses, production — things like that — those are bonuses to me. As long as I come out of the game healthy, I think that’s a blessing in and of itself.”
LINE CHANGES
Washington will be without reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young for the remainder of the season after he tore the ACL in his right knee. Also out is fellow pass rusher Montez Sweat, who has a broken jaw.
Their absences mean more responsibility for younger players such as James Smith-Williams and rookie Shaka Tokey. Defensive tackle Daron Payne said the key is “building that chemistry up and learning how to rush with the younger guys and just getting them on the same page that we were on.”
Leading the charge is Payne’s former Alabama teammate and fellow first-round pick Jonathan Allen, who paces Washington with six sacks.
(Watch the video below: ‘I’m back’: Cam Newton returns to Panthers, arrives at practice)
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McCAFFREY’S TOUCHES
Christian McCaffrey had an increased role last week in his second game back from a hamstring injury for Carolina and his playing time is expected to grow this week.
McCaffrey played 59% of the team’s plays and was effective in gaining 161 yards from scrimmage. His versatility as a receiver presents problems for a Washington defense that has struggled to defend running backs coming out of the backfield and ranks 30th overall against the pass. McCaffrey has 11 100-yard receiving games, the most of any running back in NFL history.
Carolina Panthers v Arizona Cardinals GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 14: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers rushes the ball for a first down against Marco Wilson #20 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
REDDICK A FORCE
Haason Reddick has been a force at outside linebacker for the Panthers this season, with 9 1/2 sacks. Reddick has 17 sacks in his past 14 games going back to his time last season with Arizona.
Washington has allowed 20 sacks this season.
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.