Did a small play Panthers straight up parlayed with Clippers ML (Well that wasn't a square play, so can I get some credit for that?) in today's game.
I admit, I was a dummy for ignoring the Manning sent off into the sunset. Kinda realized that's how it was gonna play out after the "incomplete" catch in the first which was followed immediately by the defensive fumble TD.
But here's what the eye test told the public:
1. Peyton was having a terrible year. Even when he came back, he wasn't spectacular as the defense helped win every game. I think Antonio Brown would've been the difference in the Steelers playoff game. Peyton did no favors for the offense. The Pats game, again, Peyton didn't do too much.
2. Panthers Defense were not pushovers themselves. Yes, they did have a knack of letting teams get back in, but that was mainly when they had big leads and played prevent D. With the year Manning was having, I was thinking the D would do their job, which they did. Newton shot the team in the foot way too many times today.
3. The Broncos O-line inability to protect the QB and the run game being weak. Panthers did get to Manning a few times, sacking and forcing a fumble and did get a pick. Again, the defense did their part.
4. Cam did do some good things against good defenses. Seahawks took a step back on D, but did anyone foresee them giving up all those points? While Carson Palmer screwed the Cards over, the defense themselves gave up a ton of points.
5. Cam's 2-way game. Wasn't really expecting him to throw for 300 yards, but with his ability to extend plays, I didn't think he'd get demolished.
6. Panthers o-line. They're a big bunch that had blocked well for both Newton and the RB's. Crazy to see them get schooled
So there you have it. Skill wise, the Panthers looked to have the better team. Guess I should've followed the hollywood script that was set up. In closing, I'm sure there's gonna be some "I called it's" or "idiot" comments, or "saw it from a mile away", but this is betting. I haven't come across a capper that hit's 60% on here. Not all square plays lose, and not all sharp plays win. So while I'm sure a ton of you were sharp on this game, I'm sure there have been games where you lost that should have won. So take it easy on me :) and BOL on your future plays.