Super Bowl quarterback battle of the ‘ages’
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By MATHIEU WETMORE
The Old School Versus New School Showdown
Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will play Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Feb. 7 in the National Football League’s 50th Super Bowl. This year’s championship game is building up to be a historic one. It will showcase the largest age gap between starting quarterbacks in Super Bowl history; Manning is 13 years older than Newton. It will also feature the first ever matchup between quarterbacks who were both drafted No. 1 overall. Around the country, they are hated and loved for different reasons among avid and amateur NFL football fans. Cam Newton
Cam Newton
At 26 years of age, Newton is set to join Manning in being one of the eight quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall to start in a Super Bowl game. Although this is a respectable achievement, the Auburn University Heisman winner is best known for his competitive drive. Newton will unquestionably be on the hunt tohoist the Lombardi trophy, as the Panthers are one of the 13 active franchises that have yet to win the Super Bowl.
With 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, Newton has demonstrated how dominant he can be on game day. He has thrown or rushed for all but 13 of the Panthers offensive touchdowns this season, who also lead the NFL in scoring. Although teams to lead the NFL in scoring are 10-9 in the Super Bowl history, Carolina fans around the country can not see anyone stopping “Super Cam.” Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is set to play in his fourth Super Bowl and most likely his last football game at 39 years of age. Manning could become the oldest quarterback to win the Super Bowl, as well as the first quarterback to win it with two different franchises. Two years ago, he watched his Broncos lose to the Seattle Seahawks in a 43-8 blowout. On top of the records he could achieve this year, Manning will certainly be focused on redeeming his 2014 performance as well.
With nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions this season, most NFL fans scratched Manning from making the Super Bowl. After coming off the bench to beat Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady in the playoffs, Manning proved that his experience and intelligence could not be overlooked. After recently surpassing Brett Favre in all time passing yards, his arm begs to differ.
