"Thunder and Thunder" Should Pose Good Preseason Test For Panthers Defense.

The Titans rumbled to a 27-10 victory in their first preseason game over the Chargers behind their new look backfield that amassed 288 yards on the ground. Insert "Thunder and Thunder," the new nickname for the running back tandem of DeMarco Murray and rookie running back Derrick Henry out of Alabama. The two combined for 167 yards of the 288 total rushing yards. Murray for 93 and Henry for 74.

This will likely be a good, early test for Sean McDermott's run defense that finished ranked fourth in the NFL against the rushing allowing just 88.4 yards per game. It will also be a good chance to see the Panthers first round pick Vernon Butler go up against Derrick Henry, who a lot of fans were hoping the Panthers would take with their first round pick.

Murray is just two years removed from an 1,800+ yard season with Dallas before signing with Philly and ultimately not being used correctly in Chip Kelly's system. He was then traded to the Titans to try and get back on pace. Derrick Henry is coming off a Heisman trophy and national championship winning season at Alabama where grinder out 2, 219 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2015. No, that wasn't a typo, really 28. At 6'3" and 242 pounds, he is not the easiest guy to bring down. Oh yeah, he can also move for that size too. Clocking in a 4.54 forty time at the NFL combine.

So, keep an eye on the front seven in this match up for the first few series that they may be in for. May also be a good opportunity to see how the rookie corners stack up against the run.

With Cam Retiring The Dab, What Will Be Next?

When asked about the dab on a radio interview with Charlottes "The Mac Attack,"  Newton stated he has to "put that aside" in regards to the upcoming season. The reigning NFL MVP wouldn't give any hints as to what he will celebrate with this upcoming season. "I have until September to find out," Newton said.

Newton, more than most, made the dab infamous throughout the Panthers historic 15-1 regular season by celebrating his touchdowns and victories with teammates. It spread like wildfire and had sports teams, figures, and even coaches embodying the craze. The "Tennessee Mom" letter to The Charlotte Observer following a Newton touchdown celebration really stirred the pot gaining national attention, which the woman likely wanted.

 

Many believe now that the dab is a curse to teams entering their respective championship. Clemson's college football team celebrated with dabbing their coach before the College Football National Championship game. Same with the North Carolina Tarheels basketball team heading into the Championship shortly after the Panthers Super Bowl loss giving the dab an 0-3 championship record. North Carolina's men's LaCrosse team recently changed all that, however, when they captured the College LaCrosse National Championship making the record 1-3. 

With the retiring of the dab after a historic season, (with a disappointing ening) what do you think Cam's next celebration will be? Discuss in the comments below!

 

 

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Cam Newton Dabs After Touchdown Versus Titans