Newton downplays rivalry with Josh Norman

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will do his best to subdue any tension with Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman when the two face off Sunday.

Norman played for the Panthers from 2012-2015, but became a free agent after the team rescinded the franchise tag when failing to reach a long-term agreement in April. The All-Pro signed with the Redskins on a five-year, $75-million contract shortly thereafter.

Newton, the reigning MVP, said he's trying to avoid throwing at Norman for the sake of riling him up.

"Knowing me and Josh, it's a highly likelihood it will be there,'' Newton said Wednesday to ESPN's David Newton. "But I have to control that beast more than anything.''

During last summer's training camp, Norman and Newton got into a fight when the cornerback stiff-armed the quarterback. Newton said it's a non-story, however.

"It's irrelevant right now,'' he said. "I gain nothing, you gain nothing besides a meaty story leading up to (Monday). A week after this, nobody will remember it. So next question.''

Newton praised Norman for his desire to win ahead of what ought to be a heated contest.

"Josh, his competitive nature, that's his edge,'' Newton said. "We all have something that another person may not bring to the table as much as we do, and Josh needs that. I realize that with me being around him for the four years he was here.

"He needs somebody to challenge him so he can get in the groove.''