ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —It's hardly shocking to call 2015's MVP of the NFL (as voted by the Pro Football Writers of America) "probably the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL right now," as cornerback Aqib Talib said on Monday.
But that's the reality. Newton, who was responsible for 45 touchdowns this season (35 passing, 10 rushing), was a dynamic threat that helped the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record en route to an NFC Championship.
"He's throwing the ball amazing right now, and then you know what he can do with his legs," Talib said. "So he's the best of both worlds. He's probably the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL right now."
"I've never seen anybody who is that size. You look like the typical NFL quarterback You can sit in the pocket and throw it, and then you can run, run wide out. You probably could play any position in the NFL that you wanted to. He's definitely a unique player. Like I said, he's probably the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL right now."
With 13 days before Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have plenty of time to think about how they want to attack Newton and the Panthers offense, but DeMarcus Ware thinks they can't let up on their defensive aggressiveness just because Newton can be as dynamic with his arm or his legs.
"I think it's the same type of pass rush," Ware said. You can't rush timid because if you do that, he's one of those pocket quarterbacks that can get the ball deep down the field. You have to be able to get pressure on him, but you have to be decisive on how you're rushing. You can't be a wild rusher with big, wide B-gaps or let him run in the A-gap and do what he wants to do because he's actually a running back himself. He can get yards and make big plays so you have to make sure the pocket is tight when you're rushing against him, but you still have to be aggressive."
What is sure is that the Broncos are happy to have an extra week to prepare for Newton's talents and the rest of the offense.
"It's really great how they've set it up to their talents offensively and what they're doing," Head Coach Gary Kubiak said. "Coming off of last week for us defensively, going into this game will be very much a different type of look, so to speak. Yeah, we can use the extra time."
