What It Means:

Newton finished the game with -17.15 Passing Net Expected Points (NEP). The Broncos got to Newton on Carolina's second drive as Von Miller strip sacked him in the end zone where defensive tackle Malik Jackson recovered for an early 10-0 lead. Cam finally got the offense going five drives in, hitting Corey Brown for a 20-yard sideline catch before gaining 11 and 12 yards on consecutive scrambles. Another Brown catch set up Jonathan Stewart's one-yard touchdown. Newton's third-quarter interception deflected off Ted Ginn's hands, and Denver tied a Super Bowl record with seven team sacks.

It's a sour end to what was a special, MVP season for Newton. Among passers with at least 100 drop backs, Newton ended the regular season ranked eighth in Passing NEP per drop back. Newton threw for 3,837 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in the regular season. He rushed for 636 yards (4.8 YPC) and 10 touchdowns, making him the first player in history to post 30-plus pass touchdowns and 10 rushing TDs.