November 2, 2015, Troy, NY This is a matchup of teams headed by QBs’ drafted no. 1 overall in consecutive seasons. Cam Newton in ’11 by the Panthers and Andrew Luck in ’12 by the Colts. Newton is in his 5th season as a starter and Luck is in his 4th.
The Colts entered the season as Super Bowl contenders after numerous offseason acquisitions. The Panthers were expected to take a step back after an injury to their no. 1 WR, Kelvin Benjamin.
Newton has adapted to the personnel he has available and the Panthers are the only remaining undefeated squad in the NFC. The Colts are currently under .500 at 3-4, with Luck missing 2 starts. The irony is that Luck is 1-4 as the starter this season.
This week it was alluded to that Luck remained at Stanford instead of entering the 2011 Draft in order to avoid going to Carolina. Cam has steadily improved after missing the postseason in his first 2 seasons, leading the Panthers to back to back NFC South titles. Luck led the Colts to The AFC Championship Game last season, but has seemed to regressed due to injuries, protection issues and turnovers. Newton is in the conversation as league MVP due to showing more poise in late game situations. Luck has been the more prolific passer while Cam has struggled with his accuracy.
The Panthers are not an offensive juggernaut, but have run the ball well due to Newton’s playmaking ability.
Their strength is on defense with Kwan Short, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Josh Norman. I always felt the Luck was the more NFL ready prospect after 3 years as a starter at Stanford. Newton started only 1 year of major college ball at Auburn and played in a read and react system.
At this point Cam has a higher ceiling because Luck might be as good as he is going to be at this point in his career.
It is only one game but this matchup presents a contrast between Luck’s cerebral approach and Cam’s athleticism.
The Panthers are a 7 point home favorite entering tonight’s matchup. Luck has a convenient out if he plays poorly because allegedly he has broken ribs.
“We shall soon see,” saith the blind man.