The NFL season is abruptly coming to a close and with that there are four teams left. We have battling for the NFC Championship game the Carolina Panthers versus the Arizona Cardinals. While on the AFC side of the championship we have the Denver Broncos battling the pesky New England Patriots. With only four teams left let's make a breakdown of the final four quarterbacks ahead of the championships and look at who really has the advantage.
NFC Championship Quarterbacks:
1) Cam Newton- Season stats: 296-495, 59.8% Completion Rating, 3, 837 yards, 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
2) Carson Palmer- Season stats: 342-547, 63.7% Completion Rating, 4671 yards, 35 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
Looking at the numbers on paper you can truly see that there really is not an advantage here. However, what the Cardinals don't have is a quarterback that can make plays when the pocket collapses. How is this an advantage one might ask? With Cam Newton not only can he hurt you with the pass but with his legs as well. On multiple occasions this season we have seen what Cam Newton's legs can get you. It will take a stout defense to stop the Panthers this game but if any defense can stop them it can be the Arizona Cardinals. However, in this game I am taking Cam Newton over the Cardinals in a close one 27-24.
AFC Championship Quarterbacks:
1) Tom Brady- Season stats: 402- 624, 64.4% Completion Rating, 4770 yards, 36 touchdowns to 7 interceptions.
2) Peyton Manning- Season stats: 198-331, 59.8% Completion Rating, 2249 yards, 9 touchdowns to 17 interceptions
Looking at the numbers on paper you just might think that Tom Brady and company are at a HUGE advantage. However, what is not reflected are the games that Peyton Manning was either hurt or grooming Brock Osweiler. What I do expect out of this game is a hard fast hitting game in which both defenses flex their muscles. Tom Brady has an ax to grind after the whole deflategate fiasco from a season ago. On the other hand, Peyton Manning has an ax to grind to prove that he still is a quarterback that can go out on top. This one is really hard to pick my gut wants the Broncos to win and win the superbowl giving the chance for Manning to indeed go out on top. On the other hand, I do realize that Brady is out and out for blood after what happened last year with the whole deflategate fiasco. I honestly as much as I want to however can't go against the Dynasty of the last decade the New England Patriots. So in this game I am taking Brady and Company to win by a margin of 35-17.
As you can see it is not cut and dry as to who will win these games. It is who shows up to the game and executes on all facets of the game. I am still going with my gut here and saying the Superbowl will feature: Cam Newton and Co. versus Tom Brady and Co. with the Patriots coming out on top.