One reason each team can win Super Bowl 53

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts as Tom Brady No. 12 looks on before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton /

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton effect

Cam Newton is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of the Panthers’ Super Bowl hopes. He’s the reason the Panthers have a legitimate chance to make it down to Georgia for Super Bowl 53 come next February.

When he gets going, the former MVP is absolutely unstoppable. There isn’t a more dangerous dual-threat weapon under center in the NFL. At 6’6″, Newton doesn’t move like a player of his size should. His agility and overall athleticism are unprecedented and we’ve been privileged to witness that for seven seasons now. Despite a solid defense and a young core of offensive weapons around him, the Panthers only go as far as the man under center. That’s proven to be a positive and negative for the franchise over the years.

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With Newton’s excellence has come his flaws. He’s received criticism for his accuracy and some incidents of immaturity have raised questions. The NFC South could be the toughest division in football next season with all four teams talented enough to make the postseason. It’s going to take one of Newton’s best performances over a 16-game season to get the Panthers back into a position to make the Super Bowl.

No one is questioning his talent but Newton must prove he can not only take his game but also the Panthers to the next level in 2018.