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2014 NFL Playoffs: Each Teams Key Player

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton

Cam Newton has had a major roller coaster of a season, and the Carolina Panthers won their way into playoffs in Week 17 with a dominant victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Panthers have played extremely inconsistent all season long, and ended up being very lucky that both the Falcons and New Orleans Saints were just as inconsistent with their play. Newton had to get used to losing his top receiving options last year in free agency, and he now has Kelvin Benjamin as his number one target.

Carolina has all of the pieces to make a run in the playoffs, but they need Newton to play at a high level. He finished the regular season with 3,127 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Those numbers aren’t too impressive, but they definitely picked up as the season moved forward.

It will be very intriguing to see how the Panthers come out at home against the Arizona Cardinals now that they are back to playing quality football. Newton will be who decides Carolina’s fate this year, and he is ready for the challenge.

Next: New England Patriots, Tom Brady

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