If you’re thinking about betting on the Carolina Panthers Super Bowl odds and you’re looking for reasons on why you should take them to win it all, then you’re in for a treat as I highlight the handful of reasons why the defensive-minded Panthers could actually win it all.
Newton looked a lot like Superman this season in doing it all for Carolina. The former Auburn star finished the regular season ranked tied for second in touchdown passes (35) and eighth in quarterback rating (99.4), but numbers don’t tell the whole story of what Newton gives his team.
The linebacker-sized signal-caller led all quarterbacks in rushing yards (636), rushing scores (10) and percentage of runs for first downs (42.4 %). The bottom line is that Newton can beat opponents with his rifle-like arm or with his powerful rushing.
The Carolina Panthers are one of the favorites on Super Bowl 50 odds this year to go all the way.
Josh Norman
Cornerback Josh Norman has made a habit out of shutting down opponents’ beat wide receivers and I do mean shut down!
Norman was one of just eight players with multiple defensive touchdowns this season and racked up three forced fumbles to tie for the most among defensive backs.
Norman’s 19 interceptions/passes defended are tied for fourth-most in the NFL and opposing quarterbacks had a pitiful passer rating of just 54.0 when going up against Norman, which was the lowest among all cornerbacks
Last but not least, the former Coastal Carolina star also produced the lowest passer rating among all cornerbacks when targeted in coverage and allowed just 49 catches for 457 yards and two touchdowns on 96 targets while picking off four passes.
Make no mistake about it, Josh Norman is a game-changer of the highest order.
Panthers Defense
The Panthers have an outstanding defense that ranked sixth overall, 11th against the pass, fourth against the run and sixth in points allowed (19.2 ppg). Linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are Pro Bowlers and defensive end Jared Allen, linebacker Shaq Thompson and veteran cornerback Charles Tillman are all well above average players.
