Third-year Quarterback Cam Newton is already being put in the “elite” discussion. And after Carolina’s win over the Patriots, Newton has an even stronger argument. The only thing that hurts Newton is winning. He has never been over .500 as a pro before this year. And his current NFL record is only 20-22. Newton and the Panthers were however able to overcome Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. But was this Carolina’s win.
On the last play of the game, Tom Brady threw a hail mary to his favorite receiver. The 6’6 Tight End, Rob Gronkowski has been Brady’s hook up many times in these last minute game-winning drives. However, things were different on Monday Night. But should their of been a flag?
When the pigskin ball was in mid-air, Panthers’ Middle Linebacker Luke Keuckly preformed a pass-interference like maneuver. Panthers’ Safety Robert Lester then intercepted the ball. Referee Clete Blakeman threw a flag down, at first. Seconds later, it was picked back up.
After discussion, they insisted the ball was “uncatchable” and the drive and game was over. Tom Brady did not agree. The former NFL MVP and All-Pro Quarterback followed the referee into the locker room, letting out his frustration. But that can be understood.
If the flag was not taken away, the Patriots would have had another chance at the end zone. Something Saint fans know about. But the flag was taken away, and that was the end of the game. Let’s talk about how the outcome of the game will affect each team, and what could of been.
Let’s start out with what really happened.
The Carolina Panthers gained much need confidence and playoff leverage. Carolina’s 7-3 record gives them a 2nd place finish in the NFC South and the 5th seed in the NFC. The win also proved to the entire NFL universe, that the Carolina Panthers could play with the “big boys”. The loss for the Patriots isn’t that big of a deal. They have 6 games left, and only one of those teams have a winning record – the Broncos. However, the Patriots will be faced with a lot of fan backlash. Fans of other teams will go on rants of how the so-called class of the AFC couldn’t beat beat a team that went 2-14 just a few years ago. The loss gives the Patriots a 7-3 record, 1st place in the AFC East and 3rd place in the AFC.
Even though this doesn’t seem that bad, a win over Carolina would of put New England at 8-2 and over the 7-3 Indianapolis Colts. And even though the season’s nowhere close to being over, the difference between being 2nd and 3rd is a big deal, especially with that first round bye at stake.
Now, let’s take a look at what would of happened if Carolina lost. The Panthers would be 6-4 and could possibly still hold the 5th spot in the NFC. But many analysts would be discussing if the Panthers can really “play”, something that could hurt a young team’s confidence.
The discussion is over. Cam Newton walked away with a win, and Tom Brady left with a loss. That’s it.
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