5 things Cam Newton must do to win Super Bowl 50

1. Avoid costly turnovers 

Avoiding turnovers from the quarterback is a key in any game, particularly against a Denver defense that can hurt you in so many different ways. As Brady found out last week, the constant pressure can lead to some uncharacteristic mistakes and set up the Denver offense with critical field position that it needs to be successful.

While the Broncos only managed 244 total yards against New England, two interceptions made the difference. One of two Denver touchdown drives in the game was set up by a Brady interception, as the Broncos’ offense never really had an extended drive after its first possession of the game.

The Broncos best chance to beat Carolina is something similar happening, so Newton will need to help avoid that. Fortunately for the Panthers, Newton has been good at avoiding those turnovers this season. Newton only threw 10 interceptions in the regular season, the lowest mark of his career.

Still, Newton’s unorthodox footwork and arm motion can lead to some mistakes, particularly when he’s passing from the pocket. Newton had a bad overthrow leading to an easy Patrick Peterson interception late in the first half of the NFC Championship Game, although that one did not end up hurting Carolina.

The Panthers need to avoid anything like that happening against the talented Denver secondary. Denver’s offense will likely struggle to move the ball against the Carolina defense, but winning the turnover battle would neutralize that and give the Broncos a chance to win.