NFC Championship Game 2016: 5 reasons the Carolina Panthers could beat the Arizona Cardinals

Jan 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) react in the third quarter in the 2014 NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scores a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Superman exists

Yes, it’s true.

Normally a reporter for the Daily Planet,

Clark Kent

Cam Newton has found success in his side gig as the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, enough so that he is the frontrunner for NFL MVP. He now stands as the most significant player for either team heading into the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Since entering the league, Cam Newton has been a perpetually underrated passer. Throughout his career, he has generally averaged around 3,500 yards, 60% completions and 7.5 yards per attempt, all while only missing two games in his career. The big statistical difference this season through the air has been his TD/INT ratio, posting an absurd 35:10 and as a result his QB rating jumped from around 85 on average to 99.2.

The Panthers went 15-1 this season largely because Newton and the Panthers offense capitalized on scoring opportunities and protected the football. It is impressive, especially considering that outside of tight end Greg Olsen, Newton has limited downfield targets to work with. With that said, the notion that Newton has suddenly emerged as a passing quarterback is pure fiction. Newton has always displayed a good pocket awareness, a wide vision as well as a strong and accurate arm.

Newton’s passing talent has been ignored because of the threat he presents in the running game. This season, it came into full fruition. He finished this season with 636 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, which was a part of the Panthers’ NFC-leading 142.6 yards per game on the ground. The two-punch air and ground attack, inspired by Newton’s performance, made the Carolina offense the highest scoring in the NFL at a nice, even 500 points for the year (31.2/g)

Cam’s speed and frame allows for him to remain successful with the read-option offense both in and outside the tackles. This constant threat of the run has opened up opportunities one-on-one in the pass game, either with standard dropbacks or through the play action.

The Cardinals’ ability to balance attention on Newton, the running backs and receivers downfield will be a key to withstanding the Panthers. It’s much safer banking on Newton.

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