Cam Newton failed to channel his inner Superman, the fictitious superhero with whom he associates himself. The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback’s performance in Super Bowl 50 this past Sunday was that of a mere mortal.
The Denver Broncos staggering 24-10 victory over the favored Panthers wasn’t solely a result of the 26 year old being neutralized by a ferocious pass rush, spearheaded by linebacker Von Miller, the game’s MVP, who shockingly ravaged the Panthers’ normally sturdy offensive line, tallying 2.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles by Newton.
The Panthers’ numerous dropped and missed passes by its receivers, blown blocking assignments by its running backs and inexcusable mental mistakes committed by the special teams unit were collectively as prominent as any of Newton’s miscues.
Nevertheless, the lofty expectations of the freshly minted 2015-16 NFL most valuable player, who accounted for three turnovers, one coming on an interception that receiver Ted Ginn should have caught midway through the third quarter when the Panthers were driving toward the Broncos goal line, dictated that Newton absorb the bulk of accountability.
“There ain’t no Easter Bunny, there ain’t no Santa Claus, there ain’t no Superman,” said Broncos controversial defensive back Aqib Talib on the team’s official website after the franchise’s third Super Bowl title.
Although head coach Ron Rivera’s defense put forth a brilliant effort, holding quarterback Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense to a mere 194 yards, the lowest output ever by a Super Bowl winner, they couldn’t make up for the Panthers’ offensive troubles.
Despite being the Panthers’ leading rusher, with 45 yards on six carries, as well as passing for 265 yards, albeit connecting on only 18 of 41 attempts, Newton’s body language during the game and subsequent abrupt departure roughly three minutes into his post-game interview, conjured memories of the Atlanta native’s first few years in the league, when his maturity was justifiably scrutinized.
“Got outplayed, bro,” Newton said gruffly. The Panthers certainly did!
