Cam Newton On Facing Broncos In Season Opener: ‘It’s Not A Rematch’
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Panthers are hoping to put their Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos behind them. Cam Newton and company have had ample time to lick their wounds and get ready for the 2016 NFL season, but will have to face the Broncos once again in their season opener on Thursday night in the Mile High City.
Although this is a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch, Newton doesn’t see it that way. The reigning NFL MVP is going into the matchup against the Broncos not considering the game to be a rematch but rather as the next opponent on the schedule, via ESPN’s Dave Newton.
“We’re just going to play football,” Newton said. “That’s what it’s all about. A lot of people want to make it a rematch. It’s not a rematch. It’s just our next opponent.
“They’re a great team. We understand that. We’re putting our bid in on being a great team as well. All that is null and void if we don’t prove it Thursday night.”
At this point, Cam Newton and company are favored to come out on top against the defending Super Bowl champions on Thursday night. The Panthers are currently sporting a -3.5 point spread heading into this matchup with the Broncos.
With Peyton Manning retiring following the Super Bowl win over the Panthers, Denver has had to start from scratch at the quarterback position. Initially, Mark Sanchez was thought to be his replacement, but that didn’t last. Sanchez was recenter released and promptly signed by the Dallas Cowboys paving the way for Trevor Siemian to be the starter with rookie Paxton Lynch as the backup.
There’s no question the Broncos defense is still among the league’s elite, but the offense may sputter coming out of the gate without Manning running the show. Although Manning was nowhere near the top of his game last season, the two-time Super Bowl champion ran a tight ship, and that will change with Siemian under center.
Carolina getting the win and covering the spread on the road seems to be the smart bet here.
