Newton demands rowdy Panthers crowd for home return

Cam Newton called on Carolina Panthers fans to create a raucous home atmosphere Sunday in what should be his first start since returning to the club.

To that end, Newton said he's partnering with the Panthers to give away 50 tickets to fans who have rarely or never attended a game and will, therefore, be "screaming to the top of their lungs."

"We need to reclaim Bank of America Stadium," Newton said Thursday. "I know the success hasn't been there but we ain't talking about the past, we're talking about the things here moving forward."

The 32-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Panthers on Nov. 11, rejoining the team that drafted him first overall in 2011. He scored two quick touchdowns in limited snaps against the Arizona Cardinals and is expected to take over as the starter when the Washington Football Team comes to town for Week 11.

"We need to bring the pride back to Carolina," he said. "We're sitting at .500 right now, but it's nothing more important than this game that's coming up and we're just trying to be 1-0 by the end of Sunday."

Newton spent his first nine seasons in Carolina, claiming an MVP and reaching the Super Bowl before a new regime came in and promptly released him. He re-signed in Carolina after a year with the New England Patriots, who cut him and named Mac Jones their starting quarterback at the end of the preseason.

The Panthers eventually lost Sam Darnold to a shoulder injury, creating an opening for Newton to make his way back.