CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newtons numbers this season are pedestrian at best, a far cry from the type of video game statistics he put up during an MVP season in 2015.But coach Ron Rivera isnt about to blame the teams 4-6 record on his franchise quarterback.Rivera points to a variety of reasons for the offenses struggles -- the slow start the team had on defense, the injuries that have plagued running back Jonathan Stewart and the offensive line and some tough competition.A year ago Newton had a breakout season with 45 combined touchdowns -- and 35 passing and 10 rushing -- and only 14 turnovers while leading the Panthers to a 17-2 season and a trip to the Super Bowl. This year Newton has 15 combined touchdowns and eight turnovers in nine starts. He missed one game due to a concussion.His quarterback rating is 27th in the league, barely ahead of lesser-known QBs like Case Keenum, Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Fitzpatrick.We have been shuffling our offensive line, our top running back missed a game and I think that has a little bit to do with it, Rivera said. And when we play teams where we get their best shot.Rivera makes valid points.A year ago the Panthers were able to maintain the same starting line for most of the season, but this year it has been a game of musical chairs up front. Left tackle Michael Oher has missed seven games with a concussion, forcing right tackle Mike Remmers to move to Ohers spot and Daryl Williams to step in at right tackle. Two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil has already missed two games and could miss even more after reinjuring his right shoulder in Carolinas 23-20 win over New Orleans last Thursday night.He has been sacked 25 times already after being dumped only 33 times all of last year.The potent running game that finished second in the league a year ago has grinded to a halt, averaging just 69.3 yards rushing per game over the past three weeks. The Panthers ran for at least 100 yards in every game last season. Running back Jonathan Stewart, who missed three games with a hamstring injury, is averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry.Newton said the dropoff in statistics dont bother him, but the teams win-loss record does.The most important stat In sport is if you are winning and losing, Newton said Wednesday. So I can really care less about point production and leading the league in scoring.Newton said its unfair to compare last years offensive success to this year.Its a different season, a different year, Newton said. Here we are going into our 11th game and were still talking about last year. Theres no need for us to keep dwelling on it because it is what it is. Its time for us to turn the page. We just have to focus in on in-game performance.Still, the Panthers talked at length during training camp about the sky being the limit with wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin returning from a torn ACL.Benjamin has produced solid numbers, but the Panthers have taken a step back, going from first in the league in scoring to 12th.Benjamin said he believes Carolinas emotional loss to Denver in the regular season opener has had a snowball effect on the season and I think that played a role in the stats.Added Remmers: Last year I think a lot of people overlooked us a little bit and I think this year people realize were not just some team.The Panthers are seeking their fourth straight NFC South title, but are two games behind the Atlanta Falcons with six games remaining. Although they have won three of their last four games, the Panthers head West looking to find their stride on offense against two quality defensive teams in Oakland (8-2) and Seattle (7-2-1).Needless to say this is a must win for us, Newton said.Game notes Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion), defensive end Mario Addison (foot), cornerback Leonard Johnson (chest), Oher, Kalil and offensive tackle Donald Hawkins (illness) did not practice on Wednesday. Rivera offered no update on the status of Kuechly, although teammate Thomas Davis told reporters he doesnt expect Kuechly will play this week.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Don Larsen Jersey . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. Mike Cuellar Jersey . On Saturday night, the normally free throw-challenged centre did just that. Howard scored 18 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, including 13 of 19 free throws in a 2 1/2-minute stretch, and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 122-111. https://www.cheapastros.com/1173o-brad-peacock-jersey-astros.html . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Jimmy Wynn Astros Jersey . -- Adam Snyder returned to the San Francisco 49ers this season because the offensive lineman thought it was his best opportunity to win a championship. Josh James Astros Jersey .7 million, one-year contract, a raise of $2.2 million. Wieters had asked for $8.75 million and the Orioles had offered $6. MALIBU, Calif. -- Former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen was questioned Monday about his weekend fight with an autograph-seeker that left the man hospitalized with a head injury. Pippen came in voluntarily to a Los Angeles County sheriffs substation after he was named as a suspect in the altercation outside Nobu restaurant, a celebrity hangout on the beach in Malibu. He spoke to police for about an hour and was released pending further investigation. "Hes being co-operative," sheriffs spokesman Steve Whitmore said. Whitmore described the case as "complicated" and said there was no timetable for announcing whether charges would be brought. The unidentified victim was inside the restaurant taking photos as Pippen dined with his family Sunday evening, sheriffs Capt. Patrick Davoren said. When Pippen went outside to the parking lot, the man continued taking pictures and sought the Hall of Famers autograph, Davoren said. An argument ensued that led to the violence, investigators said.dddddddddddd The man was taken to a hospital with a head injury and was treated and released. Investigators were interviewing several witnesses to determine whether Pippen should be charged with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm. "Right now its under investigation," Whitmore said. "We have to interview everybody to find out what happened." Several witnesses described the man as intoxicated, Whitmore said. Nobu has been a Malibu mainstay for nearly 15 years and is frequented by celebrities. The restaurant recently moved to a beachfront location that offers views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every seat. The 47-year-old Pippen won six NBA titles with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, and in 1996, was named one of the NBAs 50 greatest players. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Pippen is a special adviser to the Bulls president and chief operating officer. The team declined to comment Monday. ' ' '