Peyton Manning, Newton: Matchup of No. 1 Picks
Peyton Manning and Cam Newton combine to create the first Super Bowl matchup between No. 1 overall picks in the NFL Draft.
Peyton Manning returns to the Super Bowl for the 2nd time in three seasons, but this time, the Denver Broncos’ defense looks to headline the teams success. Peyton Manning was the top overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee; moreover, Cam Newton was the number one selection in the 2011 NFL Draft out of the Auburn University.
Next: Denver Broncos to Face Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50
With Peyton Manning and Cam Newton both being former top overall selections, this marks the first time in history that two quarterbacks matched up together in the Super Bowl. Moreover, another tidbit on the matchup, with Peyton Manning at age 39 and Cam Newton at age 26, this is the largest age gap between starting quarterbacks in Super Bowl history.
Peyton Manning endured an up-and-down type season this year, with him leading the NFL in interceptions for the majority of the season and, ultimately, losing the starting role late in the season. If it were not for Brock Osweiler‘s struggles, Peyton Manning might still be on the sidelines for the duration of the playoffs; however, Peyton Manning proved his worth by getting the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl.
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Just a few weeks ago, many people questioned if Peyton Manning would ever see the field again as a member of the Denver Broncos, but fast-forward to today, and he may retire after this season in the same fashion as John Elway – a Super Bowl champion. Peyton Manning hopes to win the second title of his illustrious career; while, Cam Newton looks to win the first of his young career.
With Cam Newton taking the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, he is easily the front-runner to win the MVP award this season. Peyton Manning knows a thing or two about winning MVP awards, with five to his name; moreover, Peyton Manning also won the Super Bowl MVP while a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Both the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers are headlined by impressive defenses, but the Carolina Panthers seem to have the more prominent offense. However, Peyton Manning has Super Bowl experience and is the more elite game manager out of the two. Also, the Denver Broncos have better weapons, on offense, surrounding Peyton Manning. Despite the Panthers having a dominant defense, the Denver Broncos had the best defense in the NFL this past season.
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The Super Bowl matchup between Peyton Manning and Cam Newton figures to be a defensive-heavy matchup, but both offenses have a chance to explode for points. At the current time in their respective careers, Cam Newton is the more dangerous quarterback, but do not sleep on a resurgent performance from Peyton Manning.
Peyton Manning just received a $2M bonus for reaching the Super Bowl, and there is no doubt that he has more money, and a lot of it, coming his way if he wins the big one. The Carolina Panthers love to blitz, which seems to be Peyton Manning’s weakness due to his limited mobility; thus, the Denver Broncos’ offensive line must step up and provide him with time in the pocket.
The Denver Broncos are the more well-rounded team out of the two, so there is no guarantee that the best quarterback (Cam Newton) will win this Super Bowl; although, the Panthers are sure to be favorites heading into the matchup. With the majority of the Carolina Panthers’ players never being in a Super Bowl before, experience may play a pivotal role in determining which former number one’s team win the big game.
Next: Denver Broncos to Face Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50
Expect a great matchup between Peyton Manning and Cam Newton, who both play a polar opposite style. Peyton Manning hopes to win his second Super Bowl title; while, Cam Newton looks to begin his legacy as a dominant quarterback.