Panthers vs. Dolphins 2013, Week 12: Live coverage, score updates and more

Kevin Nogle of The Phinsider believes the coaching staff needs to do something about the running game and special teams if the Dolphins are to contend for the playoffs:

Jaxon of Cat Scratch Reader implies that this was a game of two halves:

Ron Rivera fully embraced his role as “Riverboat Ron” on Sunday, calling a gritty play to set up a game-winning touchdown drive as the Panthers beat the Dolphins, 20-16.

Newton had issues in the first half following a hit early in the game that left the Panthers quarterback spitting up blood and noticeably shaken. He was unable to recover until the third quarter, settling after the break to play much better in the second half. The 10-point hole looked to be too much, but the final drive he orchestrated could have been Newton’s best as a pro, showing he had what it took to fight adversity.

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Cam Newton has his own signature celebration, the Superman shirt-opening mime. But today, he decided simply having his own move wasn’t enough.

After scoring a third-quarter touchdown against Miami, Newton cribbed LeBron James’ signature Stompy Dance:

It’s unclear whether Carolina can get back into the game, but the team will need serious adjustments at halftime. The score doesn’t reflect how much they’ve been outmatched and if Miami can convert short field goals into touchdowns this game will quickly become a blowout.

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The situation against Miami was slightly different and could result in referees watching the second-year linebacker more closely in the future.

• NFL Week 12 updates, GIFs and news | Live scores

Miami currently leads 7-3, and it’s unclear whether the game can become a high-scoring affair with both quarterbacks under duress. There’s a feeling that touchdowns like this one were the exception rather than the rule, which could result in a gritty defensive affair.

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It’s the kind of break the Panthers will welcome on the opening drive and one Miami can’t afford.

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Game Date/Time and Location: Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m. ET at Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Fla.

TV schedule and distribution map: Fox; The506.com

Newton’s played well, but it is Carolina’s defense that is powering the surge. Before New England put up 20, the Panthers hadn’t allowed more than 15 points in any of their last five games and are allowing a league best 13.5 points per contest on the season.

James Dator at Cat Scratch Reader is plenty enthused over Carolina’s Monday night win, but it’s the development of Newton that really has him fired up.

For more betting details on this matchup, head over to Oddsshark.

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