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The Carolina Panthers put on their poorest performance of the season in Super Bowl 50 which resulted in a 24-10 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos. The defense was amazing, holding the Broncos to 194 total yards and only six points. The offense, meanwhile, had three turnovers which led directly to 18 points for the Broncos and could only muster 10 points despite putting up 315 yards. Here are the five players most to blame for this poor showing.
5. WR Ted Ginn Jr.
Getty ImagesGinn finished Super Bowl 50 with four catches for 74 yards, but it was his drop in the second quarter that resulted in an interception for the Broncos. Phil Simms tried to blame Cam Newton for throwing the ball too hard, but Ginn clearly had alligator arms. It cost the Panthers at least three points which would've cut a 16-7 game down to a one-possession lead for the Broncos.
4. K Graham Gano
Getty ImagesGano missed a field goal in the second quarter that would've cut the Broncos' lead to 13-10. He also struggled to put kickoffs out of the end zone for touchbacks after leading the league in touchback percentage in the regular season.
3. WR Jerricho Cotchery
Getty ImagesEarly in the game, it was Cotchery who was the open receiver on a number of occasions, but he only finished with two catches for 17 yards because he had three crucial drops. He had been Cam Newton's security blanket on third-downs all season long, but he quickly lost his quarterback's trust.
2. RT Mike Remmers
Getty ImagesRemmers put on a despicable display against Von Miller. It was so bad that it wouldn't surprise me if Miller lets Remmers keep his Super Bowl MVP trophy. Although I give 75 percent of the blame to Remmers for his poor play, it was ridiculous that offensive coordinator Mike Shula couldn't make any adjustments in the second half to get the lineman some help.
1. QB Cam Newton
Getty ImagesThe blame begins and ends with Cam Newton. While he was under siege all night because of poor play from his offensive line, and was the victim of drops from his wide receivers, he's the NFL MVP and the leader of this Panthers team. It's his responsibility to make plays and put his team in position to win, and he couldn't do that.
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